Mark Joseph Esper, 75, of Traverse City, MI, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, at Munson Hospice House with his wife and son at his side.

Mark was part of a large and loving Catholic family in Detroit. After growing up in the same Detroit neighborhood, Mark and his wife, Christine, moved to Traverse City in 1976 to raise their own family. Mark graduated from St. Mary's of Redford HS, Western Michigan University and Central Michigan University (Fire Up Chips!).

Education and service were Mark's passions. Following his initial teaching job at St. Gabriel's in Detroit, he began a long and meaningful career with Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS). Over the years he took on many roles including: teacher, coach, athletic director, high school principal, and curriculum director for both GTACS and the Diocese of Gaylord. Mark founded Great Lakes Learning Group to continue his work in education after his retirement. He was named an Outstanding Educator in 1997 and will be inducted into the GTACS Hall of Fame on October 4.

Mark served in many community leadership and volunteer roles, including as President of the North American Vasa, Cherry Capital Cycling Club Ride Leader, and a volunteer and advisory board member for TART Trails. He was also President of the St. Francis Parish Council and volunteered with Titan Youth Football. "Coach Mark" led athletes in football, cross-country skiing, track and baseball for over 50 years. He especially enjoyed coaching his two grandsons and attending games and performances for Avery, Drew, and Luke.

Mark's greatest joy was his family and the memories made together, especially at Platte Lake and during travels to the Rockies, Alaska, and many national parks. Music was a vibrant part of Mark's spirit; he could play the piano and guitar beautifully despite never having a formal lesson. He also enjoyed planning, renovation, boat building and woodworking.

Mark was preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah; his mother, Virginia; his father, Jerome; and his brothers, Tom and Jerome Timothy.

He will always be fondly remembered by Christine, his wife of 52 years; his son & daughter in law, Joe & Jaime; grandchildren, Avery, Drew, and Luke; sisters, Mary Esper and Jane Vogel; brother, Father John Esper; and a plethora of Esper, Hughes, Adamo, and D'agostino family members.

A gathering to celebrate Mark's life will be held in the backyard of the family home on Sunday, August 17, from 6-8 p.m. Mark loved a good celebration and would want guests to dress comfortably and enjoy each other's company. Consider wearing something that reminds you of him, such as Lycra, Hawaiian shirts, or Titan or Gladiator gear. Mark would see this as a celebration of accomplishment and love, not a somber occasion.

Father John Esper and Father Ken Stachnik will concelebrate Mark's Mass at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire, MI, on Monday, August 18, at 10:30 a.m. The Service will be livestreamed on the Church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stphilipneriempire.org/ .

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Munson Hospice House as well as Mark's doctors and specialists that helped him maintain a high quality of life for the past 25 years.

In lieu of a memorial contribution, please consider remembering Mark by learning something new, teaching another person a new skill, or initiating a positive habit!