Obituary of Mark Bleyaert

Mark E. Bleyaert was born in Monroe on May 4, 1945. He was one of six children born from the union of the late Grant Bleyaert and Violet (Strimbel) Bleyaert. Mark attended St. Mary's for grade school and he was a 1964 graduate of Monroe High. Mark married the love of his life the former Brenda Branham on June 25, 1966 at St. Mary's Church in Rockwood. He retired early from Universal Tell Tech because of back problems. Following retirement he worked at upholstery and just being a general jack of all trades, always helping others with a hand to support his family. Mark grew up with a special bond to his grandfather and later in life he had that same bond with his own grandchildren. He enjoyed working with his hands. He liked to fix things and loved to build different items for the grandchildren; including slingshots, tree houses, or just inventing stuff and being creative; because of course they consumed 100% of his interests. He was a great son to his mother visiting her every day until his health failed. Mark was a member of St. Patrick Church. Mark E. Bleyaert age 66 of Carleton passed away at 12:40am, Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at his home. In addition to his father his passing was preceded by a brother-in-law: Loyd Krueger. To cherish his memory he leaves a wife: Brenda Bleyaert of Carleton; three daughters: Denise (Rick) Knicely of Temperance, Melissa (Chris) Feldt of Carleton, and Lorraine (John) Putnam of Carleton; mother: Violet Bleyaert; brothers: Lamont (Julie) Bleyaert of Georgia and Martin "Marty" Bleyaert of Monroe; sisters: Margo (Ray) Knabusch of Monroe, Marcia Krueger of LaSalle, and Marlene (Gary) Coleman of Indiana; five grandchildren: Kayla and Hunter Feldt, Brooke Knicely, and Broc and Bret Putnam. Friends may gather from 12:00-8:00pm, Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185 where a Rosary will be recited at 6:00pm. He will lie in state from 9:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00am, Friday, September 30, 2011 at St. Patrick Church, 2996 West Labo. Father Robert Bauer and Monsenior John Zenz officiating. Procession will follow to Michigan Memorial Park for burial. Memorial donations for those who desire are suggested to the Family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, make a donation, or send flowers by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.