Mark Sigfrids

Resided in Stonington, MI
Died November 4, 2023

Mark Loyal Sigfrids, a dedicated father, grandpa, educator and passionate runner, passed away on November 4th, 2023. He was of Kalamazoo, formerly Stonington. He was 70 years old.

 

Mark grew up in Stonington, Michigan and graduated from Rapid River High School in 1971. He went on to pursue his love for mathematics at Bay de Noc Community College and Northern Michigan University, where he excelled academically. Upon graduation, Mark’s desire to make a difference led him to join the Peace Corps as a Math Instructor at Masiphula Secondary School in Swaziland, where he taught from 1975 to 1978.

 

Mark’s commitment to education took him to MbaneCentral High School in Swaziland, where he served as a teacher from 1979 to 1986 under the Swaziland Government. His dedication to his students and his passion for mathematics left a lasting impact on the community.

 

In 1986, Mark returned to the United States and completed his Masters degree at Western Michigan University in 1988. He then embarked on a fulfilling career as a Mathematics professor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where he taught for an impressive 35 years, until his retirement in 2023. Mark’s enthusiasm for teaching and his ability to connect with his students made him a beloved figure in the classroom.

 

Outside of his professional life, Mark was an avid runner and a proud member of the Kalamazoo Area Runners, through which he formed lasting friendships and touched the lives of countless individuals. Mark’s dedication to running was exemplified by his completion of 58 Full Marathons, including an impressive six Boston Marathons, with a personal best time of 3 hours and 26 minutes.

 

Mark’s love for Africa never waned; in 2014, he began returning each summer to eKuthuleni Primary School where he volunteered his time and served as a teacher and pastor. His selflessness and compassion were evident in his commitment to helping others.

 

Mark is survived by; his brothers and sisters Barb, Jim, Esther, Michael, and Mary. The mother of his children Alice, his children Ruth, and Andrew; his sponsored children Phindile Maltinch, and SamMthembu, as well as his cherished grandchildren Linde, Nonto, Titi, Sindie, Ncamiso, Sivuyile, Nosipo, Skye, Maliyah, and Moon.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents Loyal and Helen Sigfrids and sponsored child Beauty Mnisi.

 

Mark Sigfrids will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to education, his love for running, and his kind and compassionate nature. His legacy will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.

 

As he joins his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, may he find eternal peace.

 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in honor of Mark to the Scholarship Fund at eKuthuleni Primary School which will be used to pay for tuition and school expenses. For additional information to coordinate a donation please reach out to Marks son Andrew Sigfrids via email as asigfrids1@gmail.com or phone 703-201-2361.

Family will receive friends on Sunday November 12th, 2023 from 1:00PM until 3:00PM at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services honoring Mark will begin at 3 PM with Pastor John Reuge officiating. A luncheon will follow in the St. Martin Lutheran Church hall. Mark will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery.

19 Tributes for “Mark Sigfrids”

    Mary I’m so sorry to hear Mark passed. You were the most wonderful sister to him, selflessly caring for him over the past year+. How lucky he was to have you near, and you to have spent such precious time with him. You’re in my thoughts.

    I knew Mark very well as were both employees at Kalamazoo Valley Community College as well as from the U P . He was a great excellent teacher and a great person. We attended many Spartan football games over the years together. He was an outstanding runner and committed to his students, the college and community. He will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in Peace Mark.

    My heart, gut and soul are aching. Mark had this special way about him. He listened, he taught, he gave and he loved .. while never expecting anything in return. His selflessness, positivity and kindness never wavered from the first time I met him, until the last time I saw him.

    He carried me (and countless others) through so MANY miles (Including Boston) with his, encouragement, stories about his beautiful family and experiences, his quick wit, his big heart and his genuine smile! My sons also had the honor to know and learn from him!

    You left you mark, Mark and it’s here to stay!

    Run and rest free of pain forever and ever!

    So sad to hear about Mark’s passing. I knew him just from running events, but he made a huge impression on me with his genuinely kind nature. He will be greatly missed.

    When I came to KVCC as an adjunct in the math department, Mark’s wisdom and kind help always encouraged me. I had been out of the classroom for 30 years. His door was always open for me. I felt honored to have him as a mentor and friend. Rest in peace.
    ‘

    Mark made running around Gull Lake so much fun. He would start out slow so he could chat with everyone along the route as he picked up speed. We thoroughly enjoyed talking with him at breakfast afterwards. I look forward to running with him again in heaven.

    Wow ! What a shock! I last saw Mark as we picked up our packs for the Zeigler run this April. He was as he always was – so friendly , genuine smile, upbeat and congenial. Always.

    I counted him as a friend for many years . He didn’t say much about himself. Fragments only came out haphazardly. When I found out that he taught math at KVCC I thanked him for teaching “our kids”. He appreciated that. But over time, I could see that the institution was waring on him.

    His passing leaves a big hole in KAR. Words barely describe. I will miss him, as I know others will too.

    Sigfrids family, As a class mate of Marks (K-11) I always knew he was going to excel and do great things. May he rest in peace.

    I knew Mark from having math classes with him at Bay College and enjoyed far too brief times together at NMU. He was fun to be around and helped me along with others to enjoy an undefeated intramural basketball team. It was a true joy to watch him play along with the others on our team who were much more athletic than me. He had that calm presence about him. I look forward to seeing him again in Glory with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
    I pray his family and friends will be comforted through this time knowing he has moved on to the next stage in his eternal life.
    God Bless,

    Kris Peterson

    Always enjoyed running with Mark and the Beyond Training Saturday runs. Can”t believe is gone so soon.
    Until our next run.
    Don Morris

    I loved seeing a Mark at all the 5k races and long training runs. His passion for running and his perseverance were admirable. Although he ran Boston many times, I think he was too humble to run in a Boston marathon jacket. I saw a vulnerable side to Mark when he battled cancer. Despite the pain, he was always so friendly to guests and loved to laugh. I could tell he was a true Christian warrior running his race to the very end with grace and mental fortitude. Seeing the devotion of his twin sister, Mary, made me grateful he was so well-loved right up to the end of his life.

    Mark was a wonderful math colleague of mine for many years. Not only did we share a love of math and teaching the subject to students, but we were both Swedes. His enthusiasm and care for students will always be remembered by his friends at KVCC. I have fond memories of attending many math conferences and meals with Mark – so many laughs and good times. My prayers to all his family and friends.

    Darlene Kohrman

    Mark and I played basketball against each other in 7th and 8th grades then went on to be teammates in college.He was not only a great teammate but a great person. knowing Mark he is now on Gods team. Rest in peace my friend.

    Mark was a very special teacher and co-worker. I miss him singing my first name whenever he saw me. Rest on my friend. My Prayers to all his family and friends.

    Mark was one of those teachers we at KVCC were so proud to have on our faculty. Dedicated and talented, always a cheerful word, students were his first priority. I am very sorry to learn of his passing, his family will miss him terribly, I’m sure.

    I worked with Mark at KVCC, in fact I hired him to teach there. He was an outstanding teacher and coach to all his students and a great colleague.

    Mark was a kind person, a good person. It’s the best that any of us can hope to be said about ourselves when our time comes. While Mark’s passing removes a little light from the world, the positive impact he had on so many people will help add that light back. He’s outrunning angels in heaven now.

    Mark and I were teachers in Swaziland back in the mid 1970s. His future wife, Alice, also taught at our school. Everyone admired him. He seemed to like my cooking and I enjoyed his guitar playing. He touched many lives in Africa and in this country as well. Rest in peace.

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