Mark James Masters

Munising

Mark James Masters, age 56, of 928 W. Superior Street in Munising, died surrounded by his loving family on Saturday afternoon, July 2, 2016 at U.P. Health System in Marquette following a two-month diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.  He was born on August 12, 1959 in Munising to Wallace “Bob” and Dorothy (Adair) Masters.  Mark graduated from Manistique High School in 1977.  On February 16, 1980, he married the love of his life, Dara Lyn Bayne.  Mark’s work history included working at Hartho, a foundry in Wisconsin, and then Kimberly-Clark.  Mark worked in the Specialties Department, Waste Water Department, and then the Power House.  He especially enjoyed the time he spent in the Power House and the crew that he worked with.  Mark retired from Neenah Paper as the Boiler Operator with more than thirty-seven years of service.

Mark created a local boxing club in Munising where many young men were able to work out and learn how to box by Mark whose expertise earned him many titles.  He enjoyed playing basketball and played many years in the Men’s Eben League.  When Mark set a pick, the opposing player knew it and remembered it.  He also helped coach football for the Mustangs.  Mark loved to be with his family and especially enjoyed his grandchildren.  Together they would swim, snuggle, save up change so they could cash in spending money, and sneak the baby frosting.   He enjoyed camping, spending time swimming and boating on the Lake, taking family vacations where inevitably, they would get lost even though Mark “knew the area like the back of his hand.”  He was a people lover and ran into someone he knew wherever he went.  Mark loved sports and was supportive of his children in their endeavors.  He was known for making up goofy and inappropriate sayings and was a diehard Detroit Lion and Tigers fan.  Years ago, Mark registered with the National Bone Marrow Transplant Program.  He was a match and was able to give a successful new life to Alexander.  Years later, Alexander’s family contacted Mark and they were able to develop a friendship and continue contact between Munising and Germany.  Mark was a hardworking, kind, generous, humorous, and loving man who truly loved life.

He is survived by his wife and best friend – Dar Masters of Munising; their children – Sarah Masters of Englewood, CO, Amber (Andy) Vervacke of Wauwatosa, WI, and Michael Masters of Munising; grandchildren – Callen Marcus, Camden James, and Arabelle Agnes; his mother – Dorothy Masters of Melstrand; brother – Bob (Sue Johnson) Masters of Chatham; sister – Linda LaFord of Colorado, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Mark was preceded in death by his son Marcus Allen Masters, his father Bob Masters, and infant brother Stephen.

There will be a time for visiting with family and friends on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at the Bowerman Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Family friend, Pastor Peter Moon will conduct Mark’s memorial service on Friday, July 8, 2016 in the funeral home’s chapel at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising.