Mark was born in Iron Mountain in 1954. He was a lifelong resident and graduated from Kingsford High School.

Mark was self-employed and owned his own caulking business and had a degree in heating and cooling. He was a master carpenter, a trade he learned from his father and was able to pass it on to his sons and nephews.

Mark had four special friends George Groeneveld, Ben Lehto, Jim Dault, and Gerald (Zeek) Nickolette.

Mark was a dedicated Green Bay Packer fan and loved sports. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and loved spending time in the woods.

Julie Fende was his soulmate and will never forget that George Groeneveld got to go to Canada and go fishing with Mark and not her. LOL.

Mark is survived by his two sons, Jeremy Wallace Fende and fiance Marie Olson and Michael John Fende, both of Iron Mountain; two sisters, Tania Flancher of North Georgia and Lona Fende of Sagola; four nephews, Towa (Christy) Flancher, Thor (Jennifer) Flancher, John Mashak, and Brady Mashak; five grandchildren, Anthony Fende, Allisia Fende, Dylan Fende, Andre Fende, and Eli Linsmeyer; and one great-grandson, Jace Moore.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Fende; and his mother, Arlouine Fende; his paternal grandparents, John and Virginia Fende; and his maternal grandparents, John and Grace Miller.

There will be a memorial and luncheon for Mark at the American Legion, located at 916 River Ave. in Iron Mountain, on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m.

We would love to give our special thanks and gratitude to all of the hospice staff (Katie, Bri, and Deacon Mike). Also, Pastor Winn Kimbroagh of Grace Baptist for taking time to pray with Mark, and the American Legion Post 50.