Mark Gordon Van Koevering

Mark was born on November 9, 1963. He grew up in Vriesland, Michigan, which at that time was a small village surrounded by numerous farms. He was baptized in the Vriesland Reformed Church.

Mark had a pleasant childhood and was blessed to be raised by loving, supportive parents: Gordon was a construction worker and Connie was a stay-at-home mom. As the only son, Mark was outnumbered by four sisters who made sure that the Van Koevering home was an entertaining place to live. Decades later, these same sisters were tremendously helpful to him as he battled pancreatic cancer in the final chapter of his life. Mark was deeply grateful to his sisters for their commitment to making sure he received the care and support he needed during his illness.

Mark graduated from Zeeland High School in 1981 and attended Hope College for one year. He then spent several years working as a grill cook at two different restaurants in the Holland-Zeeland area.

He resumed his education in 1987 at Michigan State University, where he majored in Public Administration and Political Science. After graduating, he moved to Washington, DC where he worked on health policy issues as a congressional staffer for seven years. After that, he worked in the private sector for the remainder of his career, writing about legislative and regulatory issues in the health care system.

Mark moved to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in 2004, where he worked remotely for his DC employer, years before working from home became a common practice.

He joined the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Harvey soon after moving to the UP. Mark greatly appreciated the prayers and support he received from his church family during his illness.

In his spare time, Mark enjoyed bicycling, hiking, gardening, small carpentry projects, rooting for the Detroit Tigers, genealogy research, reading, and thinking. His occasional attempts at fishing almost always led to deep frustration.

Mark is survived by sisters; Denise Hulst, Carol Morren (Doug), Martha Van Koevering (Ryan Fisher), and Priscilla Van Koevering. Other survivors include 10 nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Gordon and Connie Van Koevering, and brother-in-law; Paul Hulst.

Services will be held on Tuesday, August 1, at 11:30 am at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, with visitation at the church beginning at 10:30 am until the time of service. Pastor Alex LaChapelle will officiate. A light luncheon will follow.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the Prince of Peace Scholarship Fund, 555 Riverside Road, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.