Dr. Mark Edwin Nesbit Jr.

Dr. Mark Edwin Nesbit Jr (1933 – 2025)
Dr. Mark Edwin Nesbit Jr. passed away peacefully in Scottsdale, Arizona on March 13, 2025 at the age of 92. Mark was born in Madison, Wisconsin on February 12, 1933 where he spent his early years with his parents Mark Sr. and Blanche and his brother Jerry. He attended boarding school at Fountain Valley located in Colorado Springs, Colorado where in addition to the popular sports of tennis, basketball, and football Mark was exposed to horseback riding and hiking which precipitated his love of nature and the great outdoors.
Mark received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin and a Doctorate in Medicine from George Washington Medical School in Washington, D.C. He put his training in pediatrics on hold for two years to serve as a post surgeon in charge of the dispensary in the U.S. Army in St. Louis. The remainder of his medical training was at the University of Minnesota where he specialized in pediatric hematology and oncology. In 1967 he joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota, achieving the rank of Professor of Pediatrics in 1973. Dr. Nesbit assumed the position of Director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the University of Minnesota where he built one of the most productive and internationally recognized programs during his tenure. Dr Nesbit was a pioneer in the development of clinical research for the treatment of leukemia with a special interest in histiocytosis, bone tumors, and the late complications of cancer survivors. In addition, Dr. Nesbit mentored and inspired countless young physicians with their careers in the field of pediatric hematology and oncology. His dedication to the organization of interested investigators resulted in a strong research agenda to better understand the etiology, diagnosis, treatment and long-term outcome of children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis. His compassion for patients and their families was always evident by his willingness to consult with both physicians and family members.
Dr. Nesbit's career included significant improvements in the cure of childhood cancer, while at the same time providing for many other patient needs. He was instrumental in establishing the Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities and was a board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. Dr. Nesbit was also responsible for developing the Care Partner Program, which is a unique volunteer program that provides the family with volunteers for patients who are undergoing cancer therapy. Additionally, while recognizing the fickle nature of national research funding, Dr Nesbit placed great emphasis on private fundraising within the community. He served on the Board of Directors as co-chair of the University's Children's Cancer Research Fund and invested countless hours in increasing community awareness of the many issues relating to childhood cancer. During this time, the organization grew into a major contributor to the research efforts in pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplantation at the University of Minnesota.
Family always played an important role throughout Dr Nesbit's incredible career. Deb, his wife and best friend for over seventy years, their four children, twelve grandchildren, and three great grandchildren have been a major source of support, joy, and solace as he continued to fight tough battles both in his work against cancer and personally, in overcoming a debilitating stroke that he suffered in 1996. After many months of physical and speech therapy, he made a remarkable recovery. His good attitude throughout his illness exemplifies his approach to work and everyday life – deal with the situation and keep moving forward.
A man of many talents and interests, Mark enjoyed painting, playing bridge, golf, fishing, enjoying nature and the great outdoors, world travel, mahjong, and writing poetry. His many friends and loved ones were regularly the recipients of his signature hand painted postcards.
Mark was a man of integrity, kindness, humility, and courage. He left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents Mark Sr and Blanche Nesbit, brother Jerry Nesbit, and son Jim Nesbit. He is survived by his beloved wife Deb, children Scott (Elaine) Nesbit, Judy (Critter) Murray, Sue (Brian) Moore, grandchildren Kate Nesbit (Eric Emmons), Stina Nesbit (Sam Adams), Slim (Anita) Murray, Sam (Lea) Murray, Sally (Jon) Kephart, Ned Murray, Jonathon (Taylor) Nesbit, Jayne Nesbit, Monika Nesbit, Mary (Gavin) Bell, Emma Moore, Megan Moore, and great grandchildren, Rosemary Bell, Dusty Mae Murray, and Bernadette Kephart.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial donations, if desired, be made to Children's Cancer Research Fund (1650 W 82nd St. Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55431). A celebration of Mark's life will be held at a not yet determined date.