Mark William Stowe

Mark William Stowe, 52, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Traverse City passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at his home. He was born on June 25, 1964 in Lansing, Michigan.

Mark is survived by his parents, Roy and Arline (Hodgkin) Stowe; brother Matt Stowe and fiancée EJ Sanchez; sister Laura (Dan) Hahn, sister Martha (Don) Sheehan, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sherry and Roger Graves, the nieces and nephews of awesome "Uncle Marky Doggy," Sage (Jamie), Molly, and Maggie Hahn; Meg, John, and Jake Sheehan; Katrina (Jeremy) Litwiller, and Stephanie (fiancée' Jake Fair) Graves; Mark's beloved Hillstone/Houston Restaurant family; his cherished friends in the Phoenix area, the friends he made throughout his life; and his best friend since childhood, Paul Kelly and his wife Christine and family.

Mark moved to the Phoenix area 22 years ago with aviation on his mind. He had earned his private pilot's license and was considering a career in the aviation field. Along the way, he found the Hillstone/Houston Restaurant family and was a server there for almost 22 years. They've been an enormous part of his life all these years, and it's to these wonderful co-workers and customers, and you know who you are, that we humbly and very gratefully, thank you for all you've done for us these past few weeks. We will never forget you. Thank you for caring so much about Mark.

A few years ago, Mark developed an interest in candle-making, and at the time of his death, was supplying candles to 15 Hillstone/Houston restaurants around the country. Mark's light shines on. Finally, we thank Paul Kelly for desiring to carry on Mark's candle business. We know you can do it. Thank you for driving the truck back to Michigan with Mark's belongings and candle equipment. We are so appreciative Paul, and we thank your daughter Michelle for all her help in the last week. What would we do without all these great people?

Lastly, we've heard the comments of Mark as a person and a friend. They make us smile and realize that the world was a little better place because our son and brother, was in it. Mark was optimism, positivity, and sunshine, so we have our marching orders. Rest in peace Mark. You will be forever loved and missed.

A Memorial Service honoring Mark will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1050 Peninsula Dr., Traverse City, MI 49686. Pastor Paul Busekist will officiate. Friends are welcome with Mark's family at the church starting at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. Burial of cremated remains will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Father Fred Foundation or Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

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

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