Mark L. Carlson, Died May 14, 2018

Mark L. Carlson

Died May 14, 2018

TRAVERSE CITY – Mark Lee Carlson, 57, of East Bay Township, passed away Monday, May 14, 2018 at Munson Medical Center.

Mark was born July 3, 1960 in Traverse City the son of Donald R. Carlson and Lois B. (Tharp) Carlson.  On April 2, 2009 in Providence, Rhode Island he married Tamara “Tammy” G. (Miller) Carlson, who survives.

Mark was a kind, generous, loving gentle giant.  He was a mischievous joker who loved his rock-n-roll and his friends even more.  Mark had a strong work ethic, driving every day from East Bay to the Carlson Family farm to work. 

Along those drives to work, he would take photos of flowers, the sunrise, the water, the natural beauty of our area.  Mark would then share the beauty of nature with his beloved Tammy.  Every day, for the nine years of their marriage, he brought coffee to his wife, and would send flowers via cell phone text. 

Mark was a University of Michigan and Detroit Red Wings fan; and he and Tammy loved to bowl.  He was an avid rock collector and passionate garage sales lover.  He was generous in giving his time and love to his family.  He called his aunts all the time and would help them out as often as needed.  Mark talked to his dad, Don, every night—even on the weekends.  Asking his father how he is doing, has he had dinner yet and what are his plans for the weekend.  If Don was not doing well, Mark would pack a bag and drive to the family farm and spend the night.

Mark was a man whose character was built on a foundation of a strong yet private faith, a staunch work ethic, helping others in need and a deep unwavering love for his family.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Tammy; a son, Grant Carlson; his father, Donald; a brother, Bruce; three step children, Dylan Shay, Brent Bridgman and Tyler Bridgman; a nephew, Andy (Rebecca) Carlson, a great nephew, Landen Carlson; a great-grandson, Dakota Shay; three aunts, Ruth Tharp, Elsie Corl and Zeno Tharp, his life-long friend, Jeff Canute; and his four legged fur babies, Buff, Gertie and Harley.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois on Aug. 31, 2017.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 18 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 with visitation starting at 2 p.m. also at the funeral home.  Burial in Leelanau Township Cemetery will be at a later date.  Pastor Jerry Lange of the Northport Covenant Church will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mark’s honor may be directed to Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Road, Traverse City, MI 49686

Please share thoughts and memories with Mark’s family below or at our funeral home Facebook page: