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Mark

Mark J. Bronson

Mark passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at his home in Otsego due to complications of heart failure. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born October 19, 1953 in Plainwell the son of Elwin and Virginia (Campbell) Bronson. For 27 years Mark had worked as Deputy Sheriff for the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office. While on the force he also worked as a field training officer, as a detective and at KVCC Police Academy as a driving instructor. Mark was a member of the FOP, was named police office of the year and competed in the World Police and Fire Games.

He had been a president and vice president of the Escapes Chapter 6 RV Club. He had been a member of the Kalamazoo Valley Antique Engine and Machine Club, the South Kent Sportsman Club and the United Methodist Church of Otsego. Mark had written Buffy’s Byline for the Union Enterprise for many years.

He loved woodworking, duck hunting, fishing with his grandchildren, shooting, working on tractors with his grandson Tyler, attending tractor shows, cooking, traveling and taking trips up north. Mark had an infectious laugh and loved his family and friends. One of the many highlights of the past year was being able to celebrate his 65

th

birthday with over 300 of his family and friends.

On December 3, 1971 at Trowbridge Methodist Church he married Sherri Keim, his wife of 46 years, who survives.

Also surviving are his children, Joseph (Kecia) Bronson of Otsego and Sarah (Chris) Lake of Maryland; grandchildren, Tyler, Travis, Lauren, Alie and Parker; he was a beloved brother to Michael (Judy) Bronson and Mary (Randy) Lober; sister-in-law, Jeanie Volker; brother-in-law, Mark Keim; many nieces and nephews; special cousins and dear family friend, Dale Minegar.

He was preceded in death by his parents and niece, Lorie Volker.

According to his wishes cremation has taken place.

Burial of ashes will take place at Trowbridge Cemetery at a later time.

Contributions in memory of Mark may be made to the Otsego Public Schools Foundation for the Lorie Volker Honey Badger Scholarship, Otsego United Methodist Church or to

Wings of Hope Hospice.

Messages of condolence may be posted at

www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Offer Condolence for the family of Mark J. Bronson

Condolence Messages

Tim and Marcia Quigley

November 1, 2018 at 12:45 pm

Dear Family of Mark,

We send many prayers and our love to you! Please know that Mark is now an Angel in Heaven watching over you! We are praying that all of your memories you have will comfort you.

Reply

Tracie Long

November 1, 2018 at 12:51 pm

Another bright light has been dimmed, far to many this year, we’ve known each other a long time. Sheri, Please know you are in my heart… Love you

Reply

Trisha Hadfield

November 1, 2018 at 1:30 pm

Sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers.

Reply

Morgan and Laura Sullivan

November 1, 2018 at 1:46 pm

Praying for peace and strength as you go through this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Reply

Agnes Schmitt Vanarsdal

November 1, 2018 at 2:03 pm

My deepest sympathy to all the Bronson Family!

Agnes Schmitt Vanarsdal

Reply

Tim and Marcia Quigley

November 1, 2018 at 2:09 pm

Dear Family of Mark,

We send our love and prayers to all of you! Please know that Mark is now an Angel in Heaven watching over you! Remember your memories; they will comfort you!

Reply

Jonica (Dendel) Hindenach

November 1, 2018 at 2:15 pm

My condolences to the family. We love you guys (Sherri) n family. Lots of love n prayers

Reply

Don McGehee

November 1, 2018 at 2:35 pm

Sad to read that Mark has passed but also glad to know he is in a better place and at peace. Mark was among the best I have ever worked with.

Reply

Judy Hiemstra-Bronson

November 1, 2018 at 3:03 pm

My love prayers to rhe family. Mark will truly be missed.

Reply

Chuck and Helen Setter

November 1, 2018 at 3:37 pm

Joe and Kevin and all of the family, we are so sorry. He was a wonderful man.

Reply

Mike Mulligan

November 1, 2018 at 3:37 pm

What a wonderful opportunity we had to celebrate Mark and his 65th birthday, we are sad but happy he is no longer suffering and is now with his lord. To my fellow deputy, friend, and fellow Otsego boy you lived your life well and have left a legacy of a job well done.

Reply

rick mary howrigon

November 1, 2018 at 4:02 pm

Sherri and Family

Sending our Thoughts and Prayers to All of You. Always enjoyed talking with Mark

Reply

Dawn ( Vernia) Koerts

November 1, 2018 at 4:15 pm

Mark was our neighbor on Allegan St. His laugh and kindness will always be remembered. I can still see him and his Dad out in the yard working on their collection of tractors!

Reply

Ellyn Deneau

November 1, 2018 at 4:20 pm

Mark Bronson was an amazing man, I didn’t know him for very long, but he left an amazing impression on my life, and heart. He was always looking out for the good of everyone around him. He took the lead in getting our safety team implemented at our church and did it

with a smile and a kind word. He will be missed. I am glad I got the chance to get to know him, even if it was for a short time.

My condolences to Sherrie and their family.

Reply

Becky Halloran

November 1, 2018 at 4:23 pm

Sherri & Family may you know how many friends Mark had through all these years. He was always a strong honest Man to all he met. He will be missed by more people then you will ever know. GOD called him home & we will all miss him but will keep him in our memories forever.

.

Reply

Barbara Harmon(Draper)

November 1, 2018 at 5:15 pm

So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Love and hugs being sent your way.

Reply

Scott and Lisa Corbin

November 1, 2018 at 5:21 pm

Thoughts and prayers to your family.

Reply

Josephine Pape

November 1, 2018 at 5:22 pm

So very sorry to hear about about Mark’s passing. Such a kind and gentle soul. I’m sure God has big plans for him in his new home.

Prayers for your family during this difficult time.

Reply

Richard Van Oosterum

November 1, 2018 at 6:03 pm

Condolences to the Bronson family and friends in the passing of Mark. Always enjoyed working with Mark.

Ret. Asst Chief R. J. Van Oosterum Comstock Fire & Rescue

Reply

Billy Shearer

November 1, 2018 at 6:12 pm

Sherri and family, I am so sorry for your loss and will miss Mark’s visits to my office. Praying for peace in your hearts.

Reply

Tim & Theresa Campbell

November 1, 2018 at 6:45 pm

Sending pur prayers and love. Mark will be very much missed. Mark smile was always welcoming even before he said Hello.

Reply

Ron Campbell

November 1, 2018 at 7:09 pm

I always looked up to Mark. He was my ” older cousin ” but always took time for me. Kept me on the right path. I will miss him greatly. I know that the Lord has already welcomed him.

Reply

Don Lavender

November 1, 2018 at 8:34 pm

I grew up with you, Sherri. Scott, Jeanie and Mark. Just around the bend on N 10th Street. I’m very moved with compassion at the loss of your husband. He sounds like a wonderful, caring and compassionate man.

I pray The Lord gives you strength for the days ahead. Love is a wonderful gift. I think of your family as I spent a lot of time at your home on Baseline Rd. as a kid.

Reply

Sue Lindsey

November 1, 2018 at 9:04 pm

Mary and Randy….So sorry to hear of Mark’s passing….My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time…..hold on to the memories….they will help you get through….he is with God now and no more suffering…..God has gained another great man in his army of angels !! Please remember I am here for you my friends…Love and hugs to you !

Reply

Sue Parsons

November 1, 2018 at 9:08 pm

Sherri, and family so sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you.

Reply

Carrie Curtiss

November 1, 2018 at 9:38 pm

So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

Reply

Pam Patenaude

November 1, 2018 at 9:56 pm

Mark was such a joy, he always brought a smile to me. Can’t really find the right words. Just remember all the love he had for everyone. Keeping Sherri, and ALL of you in my prayers. Sending love and hugs.

Reply

Dennis Hiemstra

November 1, 2018 at 10:45 pm

To Sherri and all of Mark’s family, my covedndolences for the loss of one so loved.

Reply

Lisa and John Riston

November 1, 2018 at 10:58 pm

Joe, Kecia and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Lots of prayers and hugs coming your way.

Lisa and John

Mary and Randy, Our hearts are with you as you go through the heartache of your loss. Love you both John and Lisa

Reply

Paul & Patti Koestner

November 1, 2018 at 10:59 pm

We are so sorry to hear about Mark. We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers.

With Sincere Sympathy,

Paul & Patti Koestner

Reply

Yvonne Keep

November 2, 2018 at 12:18 am

Mark will live on in the hearts of many.

My condolences, Sherri to you and your family.

Reply

Wendy Stafford

November 2, 2018 at 7:30 am

Sherri, Joe, Kecia, Sarah, Chris, and kids, Mark was many things to many of us in the community, but so much more to all of you. Holding you close in thoughts and prayers as you go through this transition. May God grant you peace and grace.

Reply

Charles and Natalie McKelvy

November 2, 2018 at 10:07 am

Mary and Randy,

We are so sorry for your loss. We send you our condolences. What a grief.

Charley and Natalie

Reply

timothy brewster

November 2, 2018 at 12:07 pm

I do not know why his life was cut short, he had so much to give. He did a lot for the Otsego United Methodist Church. He Joel coming to the Methodist men group on Thursday morning an talked about that he found God. He helped out with other thing at the church to. Maybe God needed help in heaven. Mark will be missed.

Reply

Annie (Wallace) Koehrn

November 2, 2018 at 2:09 pm

I’m sorry to hear about Mark, he was a great man to all. Whenever I’d see him he was always smiling.. Rest in piece

Reply

Matthew Wilton

November 2, 2018 at 3:44 pm

Bronson Family: Please know prayers are being said to uplift your spirit, for peace, strength, and comfort for you all. Mark was just such a pleasure to be around and I will treasure his service and presence always.

Reply

Jo Bill

November 2, 2018 at 4:53 pm

Sherri & Bronson family … My heart hurts for you all, but yet smiles because Mark is no longer in pain and left knowing how much he was loved. I am going to miss our lunches, dinners and FB friendship so much. I’m sending HUGS to you, Sherri, and hope we can still get together from time-to-time.

Reply

Bill & Brenda Standish

November 2, 2018 at 5:17 pm

What a great man and good friend. Mark will leave a big foot print in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Sherri and his family have some great memories to cherish. We send our blessings to you all.

Reply

Sally Thaxton

November 2, 2018 at 5:35 pm

Thoughts and prayers to Marks family. Always will remember his kindness.

Reply

Glen Bacon

November 2, 2018 at 7:29 pm

So Sorry to here about Marks passing… I went through the police academy with him and because I was young , Mark always looked out for me… Joe and other family members stay strong and; know that Mark did in fact make a difference! Most sincere prayers… Glen Bacon

Reply

Glen Bacon

November 2, 2018 at 7:56 pm

I went through the police academy with Mark back in 1976….. being a young recruit… “ Mark” always looked out for me…. Mark was a Stand up guy…He made a difference and leaves a Legacy …

Most Respectfully

Glen Bacon

Reply

Carol Watson

November 2, 2018 at 8:58 pm

Sherry and family I am so sorry for the loss of Mark he was a fun loving guy whom will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Reply

Gayle Veld-Sanders

November 2, 2018 at 9:46 pm

My sympathy to the family.

Reply

Roger & Carol Brock

November 3, 2018 at 9:01 am

Joe & Family Please know that you & your family are in our prayers! We are sorry for your loss.

Reply

Ron Mayo

November 4, 2018 at 4:05 pm

I am proud and humbled to have known and been a friend of Mark. Thank you, Lord, for sharing him with us. Sherri, sending prayers your way.

Reply

Jon & Christine Campbell

November 4, 2018 at 8:09 pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Reply

Jason Stuart (BARS Security)

November 5, 2018 at 7:15 am

I will miss him.

Reply

Dave & Jamie Brock

November 5, 2018 at 1:33 pm

Joe & Family – We are so very sorry for your loss. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and close to our hearts.

Reply

Carla Pond Counterman

November 5, 2018 at 6:49 pm

Condolences to the entire family and friends of Mark. Will sure miss his gentle ways.

Reply

Ellyn Deneau

November 12, 2018 at 3:40 pm

Sherrie,

My Condolences to you and your family… I got to know Mark when he

lead the Safety team here at church, he was a sweet and gentle soul and I wish I had more time to know him. He radiated kindness and always seemed to be looking out for everyone.

Our Hearts our with you and your family.

Ellyn and Jim Deneau

Reply

John R. Cross

December 12, 2019 at 8:56 pm

Hard to think that Mark has been gone over a year now. Just seems like yesterday I was talking to him at the FOP Lodge in Kalamazoo. I always enjoyed working with Mark. He was a good cop and a dedicated employee and a credit to the police profession. I still miss his laugh and the corny jokes we used to tell each other. I know Mark was in pain most last part of life. Mark in now free of all the pain. I know that the lord has him helping St Peter at the Pearly Grates of Heaven. Hey Mark when I get there put a good word in for me! Rest in peace my friend.

Reply

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