Mark Andrew Mansberger

With deep sadness the Mansberger family would like to announce the death of our beloved and admired husband / father Mark Mansberger, age 66, of Paw Paw, Michigan.  Mark was born in Three Rivers, Michigan on April 26, 1953 and was the eldest son of Harry Benjamin Mansberger Jr. and Joyce Darmilee Harder, and oldest brother to siblings Lynn Sterkenberg, Brett Mansberger and Neale Mansberger. He grew up in Kalamazoo, MI.  In 1975 he married Nancy Kathryn Barnes with whom he had four sons, Brian, Jeff, Lucas and Andrew.  Mark was a peaceful man who attended the national May Day protest against the Vietnam War and was always proud of his involvement (and peaceful arrest) there.  In the late 70s he co-owned and managed Tech-Ether Guild in Oshtemo, MI with several childhood friends, making belts and buckles which have found enduring appeal among collectors today.  During this time he also worked as a sound engineer at TASK Studio with other dear friends.  His great love was working in the theatre industry as a stagehand, at Chenery Auditorium and Miller Auditorium (and at whatever other theater Nancy happened to be spending her time), where he got to participate in and help bring to life the creations and productions of others.  Mark loved science fiction, word games, and was a voracious reader, reading three to five books a week.  He also was a devoted Michigan and Detroit sports fan and a cigarette enthusiast, which ultimately proved problematic.  A stoic, kind, and sometimes inscrutable man, his gentleness was sincere and his wit was always ready.  We will miss his bushy eyebrows, warm hugs and dry sarcasm.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Neale, and is survived by sister Lynn (Dan), brother Brett, his wife Nancy, his sons Brian (Erin), Jeff (Alantha), Lucas (Sarah), and Andrew and his grandchildren Milo, Lucy, Sybil, Sabine, Isaac and Neve.

There will be a gathering to remember Mark on Saturday, December 14 from 3 to 5pm at Adams Funeral Home in Paw Paw.  Please come to share your tears and stories with others who knew and loved him.