In accordance with Mark's wishes, there will be no formal memorial service. (Note: we will update this later when not having to use a cell phone - add pictures & other comments from obit)
Mark was one of my best friends from childhood. He was a one of the kind, unique individual. There is just so much to say, let me offer a few impressions. Eighth grade at Steele we were assigned the dreaded science project. I did something rather dull and boring. But not Mark. He deciced to do an animal skeleton. I will spare you the gory details; he aquired the animal, medium size, removed the bones, bleached them and then did a mount like one sees in a museum. That was Mark. Also in eighth grade Mark received a weight set for Christmas, a gift that changed his life. Soon he was making his own weights and equiptment. In high school Mark was the state champion in his weight class. He also in perhaps 1972 tried out of the US Olympic team. Mark's goal was to become a Doctor but could not get into med school. So instead he became a high school science teacher and spent his entire career at one school, Muskegon Heights. He loved it there. Take a few moments and go to his obituary and read the comments of former students; he was beloved, he impacted countless lives, so many tributes. Oh that we could have such a teacher at MHS. Mark had a massive impact on my life, cannot imagine growing up without him at my side. He was a remarkable kid and became a remarkable man. He will be missed by all.
Evelyn M Shepard (Whalen)
May he rest in peace.
Thomas C Rasey
Rest in peace Mark!
Jackie S Fox (McClain)
Loved by his family! He will be missed.Steve P Smedes
Mark was one of my best friends from childhood. He was a one of the kind, unique individual. There is just so much to say, let me offer a few impressions. Eighth grade at Steele we were assigned the dreaded science project. I did something rather dull and boring. But not Mark. He deciced to do an animal skeleton. I will spare you the gory details; he aquired the animal, medium size, removed the bones, bleached them and then did a mount like one sees in a museum. That was Mark. Also in eighth grade Mark received a weight set for Christmas, a gift that changed his life. Soon he was making his own weights and equiptment. In high school Mark was the state champion in his weight class. He also in perhaps 1972 tried out of the US Olympic team. Mark's goal was to become a Doctor but could not get into med school. So instead he became a high school science teacher and spent his entire career at one school, Muskegon Heights. He loved it there. Take a few moments and go to his obituary and read the comments of former students; he was beloved, he impacted countless lives, so many tributes. Oh that we could have such a teacher at MHS. Mark had a massive impact on my life, cannot imagine growing up without him at my side. He was a remarkable kid and became a remarkable man. He will be missed by all.