Mark A. Francis

Mark A. Francis, 64, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 31,2013, surrounded by family who will always love him following a courageous battle with cancer.
Mark was born on November 21, 1949 in Chicago, IL to the late Arthur and Nancy Francis. He graduated from Saugatuck High School in 1967, and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Western University in 1971. Mark earned an MA in Counseling in 1973 from Wayne State University. In 1975, he and his family moved to Traverse City, where he was employed by D.D.S. until 2002.
Mark served our country honorably in the United States Army from 1971-1974. He was stationed in W. Berlin, E. Germany for the majority of his service.
Mark's kindness and wit were features that he carried with him to the end. He loved to travel, he enjoyed taking walks in the surrounding woods, and he cherished spending time with the family and friends that he adored, especially his five grandchildren. Mark enjoyed riding his bike around the area, and made it a point to share his smile with all those that crossed his path.
Mark's life could be defined best by his faith, the love of his family, and the many friends that so positively impacted his life. He will be so deeply missed by those that knew and loved him.
Mark is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Dawn; children, Christopher (Dawn) Francis of Park Ridge, IL, Angela (Patrick) Machin of Traverse City, MI, grandchildren, Mark, Abigail, Matthew, Charles and Alice, brother, Guy Francis, uncle, Don Delzell, brother-in-laws, Ben Becksvoort, Tom Klassen, Cal Sterenberg, sister-in-laws, Maria Francis, Connie Francis, Bev Becksvoort, Sheryl Klaasen, Marilyn Sterenberg, 12 nieces and nephews, and many other wonderful family and friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Rex Francis, aunts, Marcelle Compondu, and Mitzi Delzell.
A memorial service for Mark will be held at 1:00PM, with visitation one hour prior, on Saturday, January 4, 2014, at Traverse Bay United Methodist Church, 1200 Ramsdell Road, Traverse City, MI 49684. Rev. Jane Lippert will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Traverse Bay United Methodist Church, or his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Please feel free to share your thoughts or memories with Mark's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.