Mark Engle Sr.

Born in Denver, Colorado, to Vernon and Catherine (Osborn) Engle, Mark spent his childhood in the Hastings area. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1966, continued his education at Alma College, earning his degree in 1970, and completed a Master of Divinity at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in 1973. In 1978, he achieved his Doctor of Ministry from Vanderbilt University.

Mark was ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church in 1973, dedicating his life to ministry and service. He retired from active ministry in 2006, having touched countless lives through his compassion, openness, and commitment to peace and justice. His final parish was in Marquette, MI, where he served faithfully before his retirement. Journals from his years of ministry are preserved at the Marquette Historical Society.

Mark’s life was filled with passions he also considered his ministry. He loved walking his border collies, welcoming guests into his home, creating art and graphics, bird watching, journaling, and singing. He was known as a people person, always open-minded and eager for new ideas. He was a proud advocate for peace, justice, anti-war causes, and feminism. His warmth, hospitality, and loving nature will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In March 1970, Mark married his beloved wife, Sharon, and together they shared 56 wonderful years. They raised three children: Mark Christopher Engle Jr., Par Jason (Nikki) Engle, and Mary (Sunshine) Kolasinski. Mark was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to Eleanor and Alix Kolasinski. He is also survived by his brother, Michael (Jane Hunt) Engle; sister, Susan Elizabeth Engle; and cousin, Susan Haas.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Patty and Snap Engle.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church located at 16 E. VanBuren St, in Battle Creek, MI. Funeral service of Holy Eucharist will take place at 12:00 PM, following the visitation at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Mark’s name to St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home ­ Hastings, conveniently located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings, MI. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.