Mark B. DeJonge's Obituary
Mark Bradley DeJonge, age 63, tragically collapsed and passed into Heaven on Friday, January 7, 2022.
Mark was born to Walter and Carol (Bush) DeJonge/Binnendyk on May 28, 1958 in Shelby, MI (on the railroad tracks on the way to the hospital as the story goes, already pushing full throttle even at birth!). He lived most of his life in Muskegon County. Mark attended Muskegon Christian School, Western Michigan Christian High School, Muskegon Community College and Michigan State University earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following college, Mark began a 42 year career at Howmet Aerospace where he held many positions; a dedicated employee working tirelessly to do his best. Mark was a member of Unity Reformed Church in Muskegon and served on the Capital Fund Committee and as a Deacon.
Mark was a man of God who always lived and loved with intention and intensity. His family was the world to him, and he was the rock and heart of their world. He will be deeply missed.
On May 5, 1978 Mark married his one and only love, Julie (Riekels). Finding each other in 7th grade, they lived life together for nearly 50 years. Their love created three children: Brianna (Keith) Heimiller, Mitchell (Lindsey) DeJonge and Lucas (Kristin) DeJonge, followed by 10 grandchildren: Lillian, Carter, Grayson Heimiller; Lauren, Sydney, Taylor DeJonge; Cole, Mia, Juan, Levi DeJonge.
Mark enjoyed spending time at their West Lake cottage where days would be spent boating and grilling. He also cherished opportunities to travel (and planning the trips even more!). Mark loved sports. He was a star athlete himself, playing basketball, baseball, soccer and later, golf. He adored watching his grandchildren’s games and was present for as many as possible.
Mark will also be missed by his mother, Carol Binnendyk; brothers, Jack (Laurie) DeJonge and Rocky (Kim) DeJonge; sisters, Bonnie DeJonge and Brenda (Tom) Bryson; brother-in-law Mark Riekels; sister-in-law Jill (Randy) Sines; step-siblings, nieces, nephews, friends and co-workers. Preceding Mark in death are father, Walter DeJonge; brother, Roger DeJonge; step-father, Marty Binnendyk; father and mother-in-law, James Riekels and Joyce (Riekels) Prince.
Services remembering Mark will be on Monday, January 17 at 1:00 pm at Unity Reformed Church (1521 Porter Rd.) with Pastor Dave Celeskey officiating. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, January 16 from 2:00-5:00 pm at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Contributions in Mark’s memory may be made to Western Michigan Christian Athletic Boosters or Unity Reformed Church.
To watch the service live, please use this link: www.unityref.com/funeral
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