Mark W.
Holtz
Died May
25, 2018
NORTHPORT – Mark Walter Holtz, 60, of Northport passed
away Friday, May 25, 2018 at his family home.
Mark was born June 14, 1957 in Oak Park, Illinois, the
son of Raymond and Louellyn (Meinke) Holtz. On April 25, 1981 he married
his best friend Susan M. Galante, who survives.
Mark was known as an honest, caring and incredibly
hard-working man. A lifelong mechanic, there wasn’t a car or boat that he
couldn’t handle. For 26 years, he and Susan co-owned and operated
Northport Bay Boat Yard with Mark’s family. When they retired in 2009, they
became avid travelers with their motorhome, exploring the United States. They
were happiest in Marathon, Florida.
After traveling for five years, Mark wanted to be near
boats and the water again so he became Northport’s Harbor Master. He thoroughly
enjoyed mentoring his dockhands and talking with the boaters, his friends.
For over 30 years, Mark was also a volunteer for the Leelanau Township Fire
Department, where he became lifelong friends with many.
Mark loved spending time in his ever so organized
garage with his family and friends. If you were to be in Northport, you would
find Mark and Susan happily riding in their golf cart daily. Mark loved his
NASCAR racing and reciting lines from all of his favorite movies.
Mark was a loving family man, who cherished his wife
and children. He treasured being Bailey and Owen’s Papa.
Mark is survived by his loving wife of thirty-seven years ("370 years"),
Susan; his children, Timothy Holtz, Kristen (Brad Krolik) Holtz, Meghan
(Bryan) Morgan; two sisters, Rae Ellen (Don) Thyer, Caryl (Jim) Fancher; Dana
Nielsen; his dog Rosie; and his beloved grandchildren, Bailey Holtz and Owen
Morgan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, mother in
law, Patricia Galante and his dog, Haley “Hale-Bop.”
The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. with a
sharing of memories at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6 at the Martinson Funeral
Home of Suttons Bay. A celebration at the Northport Marina will be held on Sunday, June 24 at 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to
Leelanau Township Emergency Services, PO Box 338, Northport, MI 49670.
Please share condolences with Mark's family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:
So saddened to hear about Mark.... Please accept my sympathies Sue...and Tim and Kristen and Meghan... It has been a while since we crossed paths...but that did not matter much after meeting up with Mark and his gregarious nature at any time and after any interval. Mark never forgot a relationship no matter how casual nor how significant. it is so difficult here to reminisce when it is equally difficult to comprehend our loss. Mark will be missed by many and all who had the opportunity to know him. And knowing him was not difficult with this up-front man...no pretensions but gracious and accepting. So very sorry Sue....Chet Kordel
ReplyDeleteSo very sad to learn of Mark's passing. He was a favorite of my dad, who loved sporting his Northport Bay Boat Yard tee-shirt anywhere he went. Thinking of your family at this time and hoping that happy memories will bring you peace.
ReplyDeleteWith warm regard,
The Family of Albert Voras
Dear Susan, Rae Ellen, Caryl, and family: How truly sorry we are for your loss. Mark was a wonderful man and many days his warm smile and wit cheered us and lifted our spirits. We will miss him greatly but are thankful for the fond memories we have of him. Keeping you all in prayer during this difficult time...all our love, Diane and Don Allington
ReplyDelete