Memorial Service: All are welcome. The service will be Friday, April 16 at 3pm at Kentwood Community Church. Due to current capacity restrictions, a free RSVP ticket via eventbrite is required.

Here is the link: https://markcjansen.eventbrite.com

After the service there will also be a time of fellowship, visiting, and cake outdoors at Covenant CRC from 5-7pm after the memorial service. Address: 7171 Willard Avenue SE, Grand Rapids.

Please feel free to attend either or both, as you are able.

Cemetery: Blain Cemetery

Mark C. Jansen

September 13, 1959 – March 23, 2021

Mark C. Jansen received his full, miraculous and divine healing on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 in the peace and comfort of his home alongside his wife and children. We rejoice in Mark’s complete healing and heaven’s gain, yet we pair this with lament and deep mourning for our earthly suffering and loss. Mark valiantly fought Glioblastoma Stage 4 Brain Cancer surpassing medical predictions at each phase of the journey. 

Mark lived a life of integrity and honor for all 61 of his earthly years. He demonstrated this through his leadership, noble public service, bold family values and profound gospel-driven faith. Mark’s character, discipleship and life journey reflect Isaiah 6:8, “I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”

Mark’s professional journey highlights his full commitment to “Here am I. Send me, Lord” in his faith journey and service for this state and the community at large. He began with his wife as missionaries in the Appalachian Mountains for three years, and he led as director of youth ministries in Gaines Township for seven years. Mark went on to serve as Gaines Township Clerk for four years and as State Representative for the 72nd District of Michigan for his next six years. Mark became a Director for Michigan’s Habitat for Humanity before serving as Michigan’s 28th District State Senator for eight years. Mark additionally served the people of Michigan as the Director of Child Care Licensing for over five years, and he was recently appointed Gaines Township’s Manager before an unexpected brain cancer diagnosis.   

Mark is described as a humble, bold leader.  Mark’s character radiates integrity, virtue and wisdom.  His smile and laughter are contagious.  His calm and gentle presence brings peace and trust to all who share life with him.  His love and valor are reflections pointing to our perfect, Heavenly Father.  Mark’s favorite scriptures remind us where our spiritual focus remains on this earthly journey; Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” and Proverbs 3:5-6:  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

Mark’s journey was led by faith and paired with his bold focus on his family and marriage. Mark’s deepest desire was to walk by faith, love his wife and family, and equip his community to experience the full truth, wisdom and love that comes with life and hope in Christ. We celebrate his faithful commitment to going above and beyond this mission throughout his life. His legacy is continued by his wife and best friend of 38 years, LeAnne Jansen. Their children and grandchildren stand in the complete blessing of Mark’s testimony and the spiritual transformation his life brings to generations and the community.

Mark’s family members who are boldly blessed, loved, and numerous include:

His Wife of 38 years: LeAnne Jansen (Zuidema)

His Children: Jason and Sarah Noteboom, Bradley and Emily Jansen, Anna Jansen, Nathan Jansen.

His Grandchildren: Adilyn Leanne Noteboom, Easton Mark Noteboom, Theodore Bradley Jansen, Cornelius Emmanuel Jansen.

His strong, wonderful and faithful parents and mother-in-law: Charlie and Cornelia Jansen, Marilyn Zuiderveen

His Siblings: Allen & Marcia Jansen, Russell & Jill Jansen, Sharon & Mike Gallup, Tim Jansen who is celebrating complete healing with Mark in heaven, and Susan & Pete VanderWeide

His Sisters-in-law:  June & John Atsma, Wanda & H. Jack Visser, Kerri & Scott Holbrook

Other family members: Beloved cousins, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and family relatives who extend across West Michigan, Sully & Pella, Iowa as well as reaching across several states, countries and continents. 

Memorial service information for friends and family of Mark Jansen: