Mark Stambersky

Taken from his family and friends much too soon, Mark Stambersky was a gift in the lives of those around him. He had an insatiable zest for living, and it has been said that he also had a rustic spirit that was uniquely his own. Mark never met a stranger and was a loyal friend for life - someone who genuinely believed in the notion that true happiness is found in the relationships we share with others. A man who was content in all things, he enjoyed everywhere his life’s journey took him and embraced each moment he was given. If there was someone in need, Mark was always at the ready in ways both great and small. Life will never be the same without him here, but the memories Mark leaves behind will be forever cherished by those too numerous to count.

Everyday life during the 1970s was a time unlike any other in American history. Our nation saw advancements in both civil rights and women’s rights while the Watergate scandal rocked us to our core. The Vietnam War remained a controversial issue that divided our country while the world of technology was shaped by the floppy disc and the microprocessor. Amidst this unprecedented time a young couple from Elsie, Michigan, was focused on a joyous time in their own lives as they eagerly awaited the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over on June 17, 1974, when the baby they named Mark was born in Owosso. He was one of two children born to his parents, Michael and Karen Stambersky, and was raised alongside his sister, Susan. Mark was an inquisitive and curious child who noticed everything in the world around him. In fact, it took him 20 minutes to walk home from kindergarten on his first day even though he lived right next door as he simply took his time. Mark was also a lovable young boy who learned from his mistakes. He was rather quiet in school, which made him a joy to have in class.

For the most part Mark’s upbringing was fairly typical for the youth of his generation. He played baseball beginning as a young boy all the way through high school. As he got older Mark loved riding his Spree moped, often to fish at the Elsie Dam. To earn a little spending money he delivered the Lansing State Journal.

Mark’s high school years found him at Ovid-Elsie High School. It was during his freshman year that his family built their log home in Ovid where their acreage provided him with endless amounts of land to have fun with. Mark was known to make cannons or other homemade explosives out there on more than one occasion. As a high school student he particularly enjoyed shop class and got so involved in his work that he even caught his mullet on fire while welding one day! Mark loved to play golf and enjoyed being a member of the Marauder’s varsity team. He developed a core group of great friends in high school that remained a tightly knit group of guys throughout Mark’s life.

As his friends and family can attest, Mark’s life was enriched by so many things. He was rarely one to be still and was always looking for the next adventure. Mark loved bonfires and camping at Higgins Lake, and ice fishing was always a good time as well. He knew his way around the kitchen and seemed to be always experimenting with something new. Mark canned just about anything and even won some awards at fairs in recognition of his efforts. He loved everything outdoors including hunting and fishing, but he also got into honeybees, too. Mark had countless noteworthy experiences trying to capture wild bees. When it came to sports he was a huge Red Wings fan.

Through the years Mark was one to work hard. After graduating from high school in 1992 he worked building silos for a time and later worked with a water tower painting company. From there he worked at Woodard Outdoor Furniture in Owosso before settling in at the Michigan Milk Producers Association Creamery in Ovid - a job he truly loved.

Life was forever changed for Mark when he met the woman with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Teresa Mulder, and they met while he was putting a roof on at her parents’ farm. The couple has been together for the past ten years or so and focused their efforts on raising two children, Jack and Ruby.

The list of things that made Mark so lovable is extensive. He was a gentle giant who would do anything for anyone while expecting nothing in return. Mark had a special place in his heart for children, and his commitment to his family and friends had no equal. He was a no frills sort of guy who never dressed up and was most comfortable in the great outdoors. Mark was known as a prankster who loved life and loved sharing his contagious laughter with all those within his reach.

Someone who has been described as a master gardener, master chef, and master friend, Mark Stambersky was an extraordinary man to know and love. When he loved, he loved deeply, and his family and friends were priceless treasures in his eyes. Mark’s numerous pranks were a close second only to his countless adventures as his vibrant love for life was unmatched. His friends and family will miss him deeply, but all who knew Mark will be forever changed because of his love.

Mark M. Stambersky died on Sunday, April 8, 2012. Mark’s family includes his parents, Karen (Jeff) Haring and Michael Stambersky; wife, Teresa Mulder; children, Jack & Ruby Stambersky; sister, Susan (Kevin) Dittrich; stepsister, Lianne (Flint) Fosnight; grandparents, Wilma Stambersky & Catherine Hallead; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews as well as many, many close friends. Mark was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Richard Hallead, and Michael Stambersky. Please note the two separate locations for the visitations and the funeral service. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2012, at the Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns, with Pastor Steve Brown officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid. To learn more about Mark and to view his Life Story film, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/79509. Donations may be made to the Stambersky Children’s Fund at the Clinton County Federal Credit Union, the Ovid or St. Johns branch. The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.