Mark G. Goense

Mark G. Goense, 60, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at his home.

Mark was born on April 17, 1960 in Flint, Michigan, the son of the late John G. and Rita J. (DeYoung) Goense. He was a graduate of Traverse City High School, attended the University of Michigan and graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Broadcast Arts.

As a child, Mark lived in Flint, Mt. Clemens, Rochester Hills, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City, Michigan and as an adult, lived in Traverse City, Saginaw and Interlochen before returning to Traverse City.

Mark married Audrey Arceo (Selinsky) on October 20, 1995 and they celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary shortly before his death. He was the proud stepfather of Audrey's sons, Amado Arceo and Marc Anthony Arceo and loved his four grandchildren, Amado V, Valerie, Zachary and Ella.

Mark had a varied and interesting career, the highlight of which was his years as a nurse. He was licensed as an RN and joined Munson Hospital in Traverse City, where he worked until 2013. Mark enjoyed the medical aspects of his work and especially loved being able to care for those in need. He had great comradery with his patients, particularly elderly military veterans, who reminded him of his much-loved grandfather, John F. Goense, a Sergeant in the U. S. Army during World War I. Mark was also popular with the older lady patients, who seemed to marvel at the good-natured gentle giant that Mark was. After Munson, Mark worked until 2019 for ATS in Traverse City, where he helped patients overcome their drug and alcohol addictions.

Nothing was more important in Mark's life than the love he shared with his wife Audrey. They had met briefly when Mark was in high school and Audrey visited Mark's parents' home with her roommate at Aquinas College, Mark's sister Diane. Almost twenty years later, the two reconnected, were married within a year and have spent their lives happily together since.

Mark was extremely intelligent and curious, with many interests. From an early age, he was an avid musician and photographer and excelled at both; his photos fill Audrey's and his home. He loved science: physiology, botany, animal husbandry, and geology among many others. Some of his best days were those exploring the woods and shores of Northern Michigan with Audrey. In recent years, Mark had also become an expert woodworker and gardener.

Mark is survived by his wife Audrey, his stepsons Amado Arceo (Rachele) of Rockford, and Marc Anthony Arceo of Livonia, his siblings John M. (Janell) Goense of Miami Beach, Diane White of Middleville, Carol (Mike) Tafelsky of Burlington, NC, his four grandchildren, Armado V, Valerie and Zachary of Rockford and Ella Arceo of Livonia, his nieces Jacqueline Goense of Chicago and Alexandra Goense of Miami Beach, and his nephews, John E. Goense of Cambridge, MA and Nick Tafelsky of Lansing. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Jack (Diane) White and niece Michaella Tafelsky.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd, Traverse City, MI 49696.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Mark's family his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.