Mark Christopher Engle Sr.

Mark Christopher Engle Sr., age 77, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Oaks. A funeral service was held on December 6, 2025 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Battle Creek.

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.