Mark Schultz

When those that knew Mark Schultz remember him, there are many words that often come to mind fun-loving, vibrant, dedicated, and compassionate, just to name a few. Mark was an outdoorsman through and through, but his greatest passion was reserved for his family. He was a tough opponent in a game of pool, and a football fan too, but what he will be remembered for most, however, was the way in which he embraced each moment he was given, especially when he was engaged in the fight of his life. Within the turbulent decade of the sixties, the year 1962 was a year in which Citizen Kane was voted the best movie ever made, John Glenn became the first American in orbit after orbiting the earth three times, and John F. Kennedy was just getting into the swing of things as Americas 34th President. It was also in this same year that Fred and Jean (LaGesse) Schultz, of Muskegon, Michigan, were celebrating the latest addition to their family, their son Mark who was born on April 15th. Mark joined older sister Patti and older brother Robert in his family, and was raised in the family home located in Fruitport. Marks father worked for Muskegon Brake Clinic and A C Carriers while his mother was a homemaker who cared for their active family. Mark looked up to his older brother Robert, and the two shared a special relationship that would continue well into their adult years. In fact, the entire family of five was very close to one another, and they enjoyed spending time together. One of the things that the Schultz family enjoyed doing was hunting, creating a passion in Mark that would shadow him throughout his entire lifetime. In many ways, Mark enjoyed a typical childhood doing many of the things that young boys so often do. His mother describes him as a good boy who rarely caused any trouble, and was very helpful around the house as well. Mark enjoyed playing little league baseball, and was a talented pool player who often played against Roberts friends and always managed to come out on top. When it was time for Marks mother to call her children in from playing outside, she always let out a bellowing whistle that was known throughout the neighborhood! Mark attended schools in Fruitport and graduated from Fruitport High School in 1980. Right after graduating from high school, Mark initially worked for Zelenka Nurseries. His life turned in a new direction when he married in 1987. Although the marriage ended in divorce, the couple was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Amber, in 1989. She quickly became the apple of her daddys eye, and Mark completely adored her. He began the tradition of bringing Amber a new Barbie doll each Wednesday when they would visit with one another. This proved to be a good thing too since one day when Mark moved the couch, he discovered a bunch of hairless Barbie dolls hidden underneath that were evidence of Ambers budding hair-cutting skills! It was also during this time that Mark worked at a few different jobs including for Michigan Spring & Stamping, and then at Apex Spring & Stamping where he worked as a machine operator for twelve years. As is so often the case, life was full of both peaks and valleys for Mark. In 1995, his brother Robert died suddenly after suffering a heart attack. The days that followed were very difficult for Mark as he took Roberts death very hard. Brighter days were in store, however, when he met the love of his life. While he was playing pool one day at his favorite hangout, The Landmark, a certain woman on the other team was getting a bit upset that her team was losing. In fun, she playfully tossed a few beer cans at Mark (mostly because she found him quite handsome). Her name was Laurie Lewis, and her friend set her up on a date with this good-looking guy, and although it took her a bit of work, she eventually got her man. Mark and Laurie moved in together and lived in Marks dream house a house on the Muskegon River. They exchanged their vows on July 31, 1998, and with this union, Mark also received a bonus Lauries daughter Sandi. There were many interests that Mark pursued when he had free time. His passion for pool often led him to The Landmark in Muskegon where he played on their league, or at times, enjoying a game on their own pool table at home. Mark also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and Manistee, and was an avid deer hunter as well. He and Laurie spent a lot of time working in their yard and also remodeling the inside of their home, and from time to time, Mark went fishing too. When he was looking to relax, Mark loved watching the Detroit Lions play football or a NASCAR race, and when his family grew to include grandchildren, he loved surrounding himself with them as often as he could. While carrying a deer out of the woods one day, Mark noticed he was having difficulty breathing which ultimately led to his diagnosis of lung cancer in 2006. He took this diagnosis in stride, and courageously fought while never allowing his cancer to get in the way of living his life. Eventually, the fight became too much, and Marks body succumbed to the disease. To Mark Schultz, life was for living and he did so with zest. He saw his family as a priceless treasure and spent as much time as he could lavishing his love upon them. Mark loved playing pool and spending time in the great outdoors often. Mark leaves behind lessons in perseverance, courage, and love that will be forever cherished by all those he leaves behind. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. Mark B. Schultz died Thursday, August 27, 2009. Marks family includes his wife, Laurie; mother, Jean; daughter, Amber Schultz; stepdaughter, Sandy (Travis) Suarez; grandchildren, Tyler Hill, Dustin Johnson; sister, Patti Vest of MO. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred; brother, Robert; grandson, Brian; grandparents, Floyd & Cecil LaGesse, and Lewis & Hilda Schultz. A funeral will take place on Monday, August 31, 2009, 1:00 p.m. at the Fruitport Congregational U.C.C. with Rev. Donald Wood officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery. Visit with Marks family and friends on Sunday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Fruitport Chapel Fruitport, MI, and again on Monday for 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society.