Mark Trayton Townsend

Frankenmuth, MI

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Mark Trayton Townsend.   He passed away surrounded by his family, Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at the University of Michigan Medical Center after a brief illness at the young age of 58 years.  He fought hard until the very end of his life to overcome the disease.  Mark was born on July 25, 1959, in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Shirley and the late Lynn Townsend.  He was married to Laura McCarthy on June 9, 1984, at Holy Family Church in Grand Blanc.

Mark graduated from Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1982 and was employed by Consumers Energy for over 33 years in roles from engineering through Executive Management.  As a former employee stated, "He was really admired by everyone who ever worked for him!"  Mark was the President of his university chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and remained a lifetime member, a youth coach for his children's AYSO soccer, youth softball, Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, and school and community volunteer.  He was a passionate and proud golfer, an original member of the Fortress Golf Club, and a longtime president of Monday Night Golf League, participating in several others.  If he had a moment, he was on a golf course somewhere often followed by a trip with buddies to Tiffany's porch to celebrate a great round and great friendships!    Mark was well known throughout the community for his extreme generosity with his time and talents.  He was a friend and helper to anyone who needed a hand with a project or a task.  The only thing he asked for in return was a friend to fill a seat at poker night or share a beer on the back porch while listening to some of his corny jokes!   He recently began remodeling and renovating houses in Frankenmuth and has created some beautiful homes for a number of families with his talents and attention to detail.  He also loved to teach his skills in home renovation to his children, friends and neighbors - who will use them for a lifetime in his honor.

Surviving along with wife, Laura, are his three children: Mitchell (Lindsey) Townsend of Savannah, GA; Whitney (Trevor) Walter of East Lansing, MI and Morgan Townsend (boyfriend Tim Curtis) of Frankenmuth, MI; his mother, Shirley, of Kalamazoo; two sisters, Cathy (Rick) Flaherty of Seattle, WA and Sheryl (Bryan) Babel of Vicksburg as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mark's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Sunday, December 17th from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and at the church on Monday, December 18 th from 10:00 am until the time of service.  Funeral Service will be celebrated on Monday, December 18 th , 2017, at 11:00 am at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 958 E. Tuscola Road, Frankenmuth, MI. Fr. Robert Byrne will officiate with cremation to follow.

Donations may be made to the American Liver Foundation in Mark's honor to fight this horrific disease.