Mark A. Kleist's Obituary
Mark A. Kleist, age 72, of Grand Haven passed away Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Trinity Hospital in Muskegon, MI. He was born on December 22, 1950, in Grand Haven, MI to Bud and Marilyn (Kramer) Kleist. He was the middle of three children and a 1969 graduate of Grand Haven High School. On September 28, 1984, he married Elizabeth (Betsy) Fortino at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Mark graduated from Wayne State Law School and had a private practice for five years before joining Scholten Fant where he practiced law until his retirement in 2019. He was an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University, teaching introductory business law. Mark was also Co-Editor of Michigan Business Formbook, Institute for Continuing Legal Education and was involved in the creation of the Grand Haven Economic Development Corporation. Volunteerism, philanthropy and community service were in his blood; he served on numerous boards and committees over the years, some of which include the Chamber of Commerce board as well as heading up the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee and actively supporting the redesign of Leadership Connect; Rotary International including being past president as well as a host family for Minna, the family’s Finnish exchange student; the Grand Haven Bank Board of Directors; United Way Campaign Co-Chair with Betsy and the Coast Guard Festival Committee including being past president. Mark truly felt it was a privilege to serve his community and found great joy being involved in as many organizations as possible, including building both Imagination Stations. He was honored to be the recipient of local accolades such as Night of 100 Stars, Jaycees Man of the Year, and The Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement award.
Mark was a dedicated and active family man and nothing was more important to him than his wife and children. He was always present in their lives and loved being involved in their activities. Among these, he was a soccer coach, an Odyssey of the Mind coach, and an active participant, along with his son, in the Boy Scouts of America.
Mark was a man of few words but of great insight. He had an insatiable appetite for learning and sought out knowledge until his last day. He was an avid reader, a stoic and active listener, and loved a good debate and a thought-provoking conversation. He loved to travel and was fortunate to share many storied adventures with his wife, family and friends. Mark was always on the move. He was a self-proclaimed yogi and student of meditation. He was a biker and tennis player and loved the philosophy of sports. But of all his pastimes, Mark’s favorite thing to do was spend time with his grandkids, Charly and Bodhi. Affectionately known as “Markie”, he found a new energy and zest for life through his grandchildren and they loved every moment spent together.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Betsy; daughter, Erin (Kiel) Carmode and grandchildren: Charly and Bodhi; in-laws: Pat (MaryAnn) Fortino, Martha Meagher, Terry (Lynn) Fortino, Mary Ellen (Ken) Jackson, and Kelly Fortino; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Dean in 2006; parents, Bud and Marilyn; sister, Lynne (Arvis) Freimuts; brother, Stephen; in-laws, Mike and Jeanne Fortino; brothers-in-law, Michael Fortino, Jr., and Tom Meagher; and niece Stacey Cira.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, November 18, 2023, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417, followed immediately by a celebration of life at The Kirby House. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Friday, November 17, 2023, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or American Cancer Society. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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