Mark Duane Reeds' Obituary
Big Rapids - Mark Duane Reeds, 68, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the Royal View Retirement Community in Mecosta, following a courageous year-long battle with Lymphoma.
He was born on September 16, 1953, in Lansing the son of Merlin and Ruth (Hoover) Reeds. During his childhood he lived in Montague, Wyoming (MI), and Waterford (MI). He graduated from Waterford Mott High School in 1971. During his young adult life, Mark enjoyed downhill skiing, square dancing, bowling, macrame, and traveling. He backpacked solo through Europe and Australia.
On December 26, 1981, Mark married Ruth Wilkie. They raised their family in Big Rapids where Ruth continued teaching, while Mark assumed the role of "Mr. Mom." He was a wonderful and proud father to his two daughters, volunteering in their classrooms and on field trips, and taking an active role in many of their activities such as figure skating, t-ball, soccer, and tennis.
Mark's passion was the game of bridge, and he was an excellent bridge player as many who played with him can attest. He loved to play the game, - especially duplicate bridge, and he loved to teach the game to newbies. Mark enjoyed being outdoors whether walking, mowing or raking the lawn, gardening, shoveling snow, or chatting with neighbors. He also loved statistics and baseball. Mark participated eagerly in Fantasy Baseball leagues and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. He worked for a time at Wright's Bake Shop in Reed City. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Big Rapids. In October 2016, he fulfilled a lifelong dream and traveled to China.
Mark is survived by his wife Ruth; daughters Rachel (Greg Liszt) Reeds of Cambridge, MA and Whitney (Tyler Medeiros-Nicholson) Reeds of Allegan, MI; grandson Ivan Nicholson; sister Pamela (Carl) Petersen; brother Michael (Christine) Reeds; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids. Mark's family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. The church requests that all attendees wear masks. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Hospice of Michigan (may be done online) or the First United Methodist Church. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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