Obituary: Mark Newman, 87, of Ferry Township. 

Mark Newman

Obituary: Mark Newman, 87, of Ferry Township. 

Mark “Fredric” Newman, 87, of Hesperia, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021.  He was born Nov. 6, 1934, to Mark and Julia Newman of Hesperia. He was a life-long resident of Ferry Township.  He graduated from Hesperia High School in 1953 and Michigan State University in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering.  After college, he served in the U.S. Army. He met his wife of 43 years, Virginia, on a blind date in 1971 and they were married six months later that November.

He was a farmer his entire life raising crops and beef cattle and retired from the Country Dairy. He farmed the same land of his ancestors going back over 150 years. He enjoyed collecting model tractors, playing dominoes, watching Jeopardy, reading, and exploring family history. He taught his children and grandchildren how to play ring-shooters on the Carrom board.  In addition, his favorite treats were chocolate-covered cherries, orange slices, oatmeal raisin cookies and cherry pie.

He was active in Oceana County 4-H as a child and even served on the on the board as an adult. Additionally, he was active in the Farm Bureau and the New Era Christian Reformed Church.

He is survived by his four children; Mark Newman of Hesperia; David (Gail) Newman of Delmar, NY; Joanne Alford of Hudsonville; and Mary (Pat) Morrin of Grand Blanc. His seven grandchildren, Matthew, Silken, Aleigh, Kincaid, Will, Emerson and Asa; and five great-grandchildren: Matthew, Liam, Kayden, Lincoln, and Bradford. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two nephews and a baby sister.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 13, beginning at noon until the funeral service at 2 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home in Shelby.  Interment will be in Otto Township Cemetery in the spring.