Mark J. Eckhoff, 68, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, at Munson Hospice House after a brief but courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Born on January 5, 1957, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late William Richardson and Mary Angela (Chapman) Eckhoff, Mark grew up alongside his siblings Gail, Martha, and Bill. A proud graduate of St. Xavier High School, he later earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati and his MBA from Xavier University.
Mark lived life with a clear sense of conviction and a spirit uniquely his own. He was never one to shy away from speaking his mind, yet he always balanced his strong opinions with a deep and instinctive sense of fairness. His moral compass guided every choice he made — not just with integrity, but with a warmth and genuineness that endeared him to all who knew him.
In September 1990, Mark married Renee Diane Ridgeway, and together they built a life rich in love, humor, and family adventures. Their greatest joys, William Richardson Eckhoff II ("Buddy") and Emily Catherine Eckhoff ("Emma"), soon followed, completing the family Mark cherished above all else.
After nearly three decades of service, Mark retired from 5/3 Bank in 2013. His commitment to his community remained strong, serving in leadership and volunteer roles with Rotary (as Traverse City Club President from 2021–2022), the Downtown Development Authority, the Grand Traverse County Brownfield Development Authority, United Way, and the Cherry Capital Airport Authority.
Mark had a vibrant, quirky spirit that touched every part of his life — from his enthusiasm for Buckeye, Bengals, and Lions football, Xavier basketball, movies, and books to his deep love of birdwatching, photography, and chasing sunsets over Long Lake. Whether he was on a golf course, traveling with family, or sharing a hearty laugh, he found joy in every moment. Animals, Christmas celebrations, and the brilliant autumns of Northern Michigan were especially dear to him, and he was always ready with a helping hand — or a memorable story.
Above all, Mark will be remembered as a man of steadfast loyalty, unfailing kindness, and unshakable fairness. His presence made life better, and his loss will be deeply felt.
Mark is survived by his beloved wife Renee, his children Buddy and Emma, his sister Gail, and his nieces Angela, Elizabeth, and Mary Pat, and nephews Bill, Mark, Tim, and Andrew.
He was preceded in death by his sons James Ronald ("Jake") and Thomas Joseph ("TJ") Eckhoff and his siblings Martha and William ("Bill") Eckhoff.
A visitation will be held on May 2 at 10 a.m., with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11 a.m at St. Patrick Catholic Church. A gathering will follow at Workshop Brewing Company where all are welcome to come and share fellowship and refreshments.
Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Rotary Charities or the United Way, all organizations important to Mark.