The Cook County community to honor Mark Abrahamson's legacy through scholarship and music
Dec 12, 2025 11:00AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: CCHE
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 12, 2025
The Cook County community is publicly honoring the memory of Mark Abrahamson, who passed away suddenly on April 30, 2025, after a recent diagnosis of stage 3 esophageal cancer. Abrahamson was an active community member, recognized for his extensive work in healthcare, his voice on WTIP and in singing groups, his volunteer work, and his many other contributions. In 2024, Abrahamson was named the Grand Marais Lions Club Citizen of the Year.
His impact is being recognized through the establishment of a dedicated scholarship fund by Cook County Higher Education (CCHE), supporting medical training, and through the dedication of the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra's annual winter concert, titled "Angels Among Us."
Abrahamson’s dedication to local training ensured that his students, from high schoolers taking his Nursing Assistant course to nurses who advanced to Nurse Practitioners, are now serving in nearly every medical care facility in Cook County, CCHE said.
In a follow-up on December 12, CCHE Executive Director Karen Blackburn confirmed that initial donations have been received and the organization plans to formally structure the fund in early 2026.
"The fund will support medical training for residents in Mark's honor," Blackburn said. "CCHE will continue to request funds for the scholarship to ensure support for students for many years into the future." Those interested in contributing to the scholarship can contact Karen Blackburn at 218-387-3411 ext. 1, or via email at [email protected].
Artistic Director Karina Roth told Boreal Community Media that the theme was directly inspired by Abrahamson, who was a regular member of the Chorale.
"Mark's passing was so sudden, and I am still grieving his absence," said Roth. "As I was putting together the program, I had him in mind, and a theme began to evolve that focused on angels. So I named the concert 'Angels Among Us,' and while Mark is the angel that was in Borealis every year, there are others this year that will be on people's hearts and minds."
The concert, featuring works by acclaimed regional composers, is a continuation of a 65-year-old community tradition. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10–$20.
Mark moved to Grand Marais in 1984 and spent decades as a nurse for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and North Shore Health, where he also served as a family liaison and director of nursing assistants. He taught nursing at CCHE, where his courses produced numerous local healthcare providers.
Beyond healthcare, Abrahamson was a familiar face across the community, including the arts, where he lent his talents and voice to numerous productions at the Grand Marais Playhouse and sang in his church choir. Additionally, he served as a volunteer host for over 15 years at WTIP Community Radio, where he received the Ampers Volunteer of the Year award in 2020. He also served on the Ski Patrol and as a ski instructor at Lutsen Mountains for over 40 years.
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 12, 2025
The Cook County community is publicly honoring the memory of Mark Abrahamson, who passed away suddenly on April 30, 2025, after a recent diagnosis of stage 3 esophageal cancer. Abrahamson was an active community member, recognized for his extensive work in healthcare, his voice on WTIP and in singing groups, his volunteer work, and his many other contributions. In 2024, Abrahamson was named the Grand Marais Lions Club Citizen of the Year.
His impact is being recognized through the establishment of a dedicated scholarship fund by Cook County Higher Education (CCHE), supporting medical training, and through the dedication of the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra's annual winter concert, titled "Angels Among Us."
Medical Training Scholarship
In October, CCHE announced it would be creating the Mark Abrahamson Scholarship to support medical training for Cook County residents. The idea originated with Kristin DeArruda-Wharton, a former student and colleague of Abrahamson, who talked about his empathy and compassion, according to a CCHE release.Abrahamson’s dedication to local training ensured that his students, from high schoolers taking his Nursing Assistant course to nurses who advanced to Nurse Practitioners, are now serving in nearly every medical care facility in Cook County, CCHE said.
In a follow-up on December 12, CCHE Executive Director Karen Blackburn confirmed that initial donations have been received and the organization plans to formally structure the fund in early 2026.
"The fund will support medical training for residents in Mark's honor," Blackburn said. "CCHE will continue to request funds for the scholarship to ensure support for students for many years into the future." Those interested in contributing to the scholarship can contact Karen Blackburn at 218-387-3411 ext. 1, or via email at [email protected].
Borealis Chorale & Orchestra Concert
The Borealis Chorale and Orchestra has dedicated its annual winter concerts, "Angels Among Us," to Mark Abrahamson. The concerts are scheduled for Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13, at 7 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais.Artistic Director Karina Roth told Boreal Community Media that the theme was directly inspired by Abrahamson, who was a regular member of the Chorale.
"Mark's passing was so sudden, and I am still grieving his absence," said Roth. "As I was putting together the program, I had him in mind, and a theme began to evolve that focused on angels. So I named the concert 'Angels Among Us,' and while Mark is the angel that was in Borealis every year, there are others this year that will be on people's hearts and minds."
The concert, featuring works by acclaimed regional composers, is a continuation of a 65-year-old community tradition. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10–$20.
Mark moved to Grand Marais in 1984 and spent decades as a nurse for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and North Shore Health, where he also served as a family liaison and director of nursing assistants. He taught nursing at CCHE, where his courses produced numerous local healthcare providers.
Beyond healthcare, Abrahamson was a familiar face across the community, including the arts, where he lent his talents and voice to numerous productions at the Grand Marais Playhouse and sang in his church choir. Additionally, he served as a volunteer host for over 15 years at WTIP Community Radio, where he received the Ampers Volunteer of the Year award in 2020. He also served on the Ski Patrol and as a ski instructor at Lutsen Mountains for over 40 years.
