Obituaries

Mark Joseph Willbur, 63, of Midland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 2, 2018, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Mark had been diagnosed with a brain tumor in November 2016 and fought it courageously, as everyone knew he would.

At an early age, Mark was fascinated with fixing things: bikes, motors and anything he could get his hands on. He eventually became a master mechanic, was a natural salesman, and was known as a true “MacGyver,” always eager to fix and build things. He loved restoring British MGs and eventually restored a rusted-out 1966 Ford truck.

Over Mark’s lifetime, he enjoyed many hobbies and interests including “camping” with his family in the Airstream, hunting, fishing, boating and water skiing on Wixom Lake. From a very young age, Mark embraced his Croatian heritage by learning to play the tambura, and eventually joined a Croatian folk band. Mark also became a square dance caller, traveling on weekends to call dances in and round Michigan.
As his kids grew, he enjoyed coaching each of their hockey teams and played on the men’s hockey league for more than 20 years. Adored by many, Mark had a big, big heart and an even bigger personality.

In 2009, Mark married Sue Nichols at the Henry Ford Estate, a fitting place for the true Ford lover that he was. During their marriage, they most enjoyed cruising the Caribbean, golfing and entertaining family and friends. Mark’s love of music typically led to him singing and playing the guitar at backyard gatherings.
Mark is survived by his wife Sue, his children Matthew (Mary) Willbur, Kimberly (Brian Ernst) Willbur, and Travis (Jordan Dix) Willbur, and granddaughter Pearl. He is also survived by his step-daughters Jacqueline (Evin) Thuman and Jessica Green, as well as many sisters- and brothers-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Katherine Willbur and his sister Kathy.

To celebrate Mark’s life, a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler Street, Midland, MI. Pastor Fred Nichols will officiate. Prior to the memorial service, Mark’s family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:30 a.m.

As a final tribute to Mark, a celebration luncheon will follow the memorial service at his favorite after-hockey hangout.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Toni and Trish House in Auburn, Mi or to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Rochester, MN. Mark and Sue were fortunate to have had these two facilities available to them during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

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