Mark Allan VanDyke's Obituary
Mark Allan VanDyke, age 65, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, following a long battle with dementia, peacefully surrounded by family. He was born on January 7, 1960, to Harry and Shirley (Bartley) VanDyke. Mark graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School in 1978. On September 27, 1986, he married the love of his life, Gayle Hicks, in Muskegon. Mark was a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker by trade. Still, he had an entrepreneurial spirit which led to him doing many other types of work during his lifetime most notably owning, along with Gayle, the Mug Factory and Personalization Station in the Muskegon Mall and more recently West Michigan Driving Academy and Testing Center for 17 years. Above all else, Mark loved spending time with his wife, Gayle, his children, and his grandchildren. He will be forever missed.
SURVIVORS include his wife of 38 years, Gayle; three children: Christy Miller, Nick VanDyke, and Danielle (Austin) Whelpley; grandchildren: Cora, Paige, and Evan Miller, Claire and Brandt Whelpley; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Barry VanDyke; sister, Sheila Parketon; mother-in-law, Doreen Hicks; and father-in-law, James P. Hicks.
A Celebration of Mark’s Life will be held at 6:00 PM Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the White Lake Eagles (1204 S. Lake St., Whitehall, MI 49461), followed by a dinner starting at 7:00 PM.
MEMORIALS to Life Circles will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-5210
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