Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Mark Przedwojewski Obituary
Mark Richard Przedwojewski (49) was called to be with God on August 14, 2020 while in Mexico seeking alternative treatments for Lymphoma. Mark was raised in Wacousta but spent most of his adult years in Irons, Mi.
Mark was a musician, adventurer and nature lover. He was passionate about exploring the wilderness and spent countless hours paddling the many rivers and lakes that surrounded him. In 2002 he purchased "Kruger Canoes" from his friend and mentor Verlen Kruger and moved the business to Irons. He enjoyed building these famous boats and sharing the love of paddling with all who wanted to learn. He paddled countless miles from Alaska to Florida and made numerous friends along the way. Mark had an infectious, positive love for life. He will be missed.
Mark is survived by his beautiful daughter Laila with her mother Michelle Breakey and brother Brendan Smith, parents, Joe and Nancy Przedwojewski, 7 siblings Tom(Diane), Mike(Lori), Steven, Joe(Becky), Beth Barratt(Andy), Chris, Therese Bacon(Ron), nieces and nephews Matt, Danielle, Tabby, Brad, Joey, Veronica, Joel, Maddie, Payton, Xander, Robby, and Annebelle as well as close friend Donna Smith-Busch and countless other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Mark's Life will be held at the Thompson Field Park in Portland Mi. 48874 by the Verlen Kruger Memorial on Saturday, September 12 at 12 noon. At 10.am a short memorial paddle to the dam will take place. Bring a camp chair for social distancing during the memorial.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a college savings account for his daughter Laila. Good friends Mike and Teresa Kress have set it up and checks can be mailed to MSUFCU, PO Box 1208, East Lansing, Mi 48823, with a note for deposit to the account of Laila Przedwojewski.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Przedwojewski
Mark on Belle Isle
Chuck Amboy
October 10, 2020
April 17, 2009 Mark and several other canoeists, mostly in Kruger boats, launched from Belle Isle in Detroit on the Ultimate Hugh Heward trip, to cross the lower peninsula to Illinois. Their paddle strokes took them down to Lake Erie, up the Huron River, across Portage Creek, down the Grand River and Lake Michigan to Chicago. Here is Mark looking like Joe Cool, as friendly a leader as one could ever find. Always positive and encouraging. I am grateful for what he gave in spirit and example.
Russ Christian
September 10, 2020
Over 20 years ago I met Mark when he was living in a resort cabin next to mine in northern Wisconsin where he was doing a wilderness immersion school where he would go out in the woods with the hatchet and a blanket in the winter for days. He ended up renovating my cabin for me On one visit, I was admiring his boat, which opened up an enthusiastic conversation about Verlen. A couple of years later, after deciding it was time for an expedition boat, I called Verlen. A guy answered, so I started tell a story about knowing Mark. “Russ”, he said, This is Mark. I’m buying Verlen’s business.” That was the beginning of communicating with Mark every once a while about boats, and the bigger picture of life. He was always friendly and open. I feel lucky to have known him. I’ll miss him. So sorry for his loss to everyone.
Chris Kaiser
September 7, 2020
I remember that day as if it was yesterday, I met Mark at Verlen’s shop one day looking at a Kruger. Mark and I began discussing building boats together and soon my wife and I were moving from Illinois to Irons Michigan to be a part of this great endeavor. Over the years we had many adventures together. You shared your love of boats, and I shared my love of bikes. Our times together were always filled with joy, especially around a big camp fire! But life also had a way of showing up, and I was always amazed at the positive way you handled those times.
My heart is saddened with the news of your passing, but I know you loved the Lord and I am comforted knowing you are no longer in pain. I am also sure you are paddling those “ living waters” right now.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and loved ones at this difficult time.
Ed Moen
September 4, 2020
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Carol Blackburn Woldt Smith
September 1, 2020
Yesterday was your birthday. Like all the years passed, you were on my mind. Your friendship was one that no matter the time that had passed, we could pick up where we left off. You always held a special place in my heart. I am so sad for your baby girl and your family, that their time with you was cut short. You were a special creation that touched so many hearts. Blessed to be your friend.
Bob Patten
August 25, 2020
It has been a while since we saw each other, but a rush of memories have flooded my mind since your passing Mark.
You, Tony, Mike and myself had more fun than we should have working together at Sparrow in our younger days. It’s been a long time, but it seems like yesterday we were all together doing as little as possible to still stay employed. Ha. When I think of you all I can see is that smile. God be with you my friend and the rest of the Przed clan - my second family growing up in our hometown of Wacousta.
Gary De Kock
August 24, 2020
We who love messing about in boats have lost a friend. Mark was one of many but more than most. Think of him when water calls.
Karen Jensen
August 24, 2020
Mark built my beautiful orange Sea Wind in 2004. My paddling partner, my husband Jim, died whilst paddling in 2003. I purchased the Sea Wind so I could continue adventuring on my own. Mark’s care and concern through the design, construction, and delivery of the boat demonstrated his loving character. He had not yet made an orange boat and wanted to get it right - and it turned out perfectly. Paddling that boat helped me deal with my grief and I will always be grateful to Mark. To his family - my heart goes out to you.
Scott H SHERWOOD
August 24, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family
Pat Lipsey
August 24, 2020
May the love and support of family, friends and fellow paddlers surround you in grieving the loss of a wonderful adventurer. May God bless and comfort you in this loss.
Mark in his home away from home, how we'll always picture him.
Karen Stock
August 23, 2020
Rest in peace, Mark. Thank you for being such a great friend to my father and so many others. To Mark's family, I wish you comfort and the solace of knowing how many people will carry Mark's memory with them to all corners of the world.
Martha Hawkins
August 23, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Wil
August 23, 2020
I had some of my most memorable musical moments when Mark would play his songs. His positive emotional response to my music making is a memory I cherish. He was a really good dude, and I'm really sorry for his family that they lost him way too soon. He was, and is, an inspiration to those who choose their own path. Miss you man.
Daniel Tumminello
August 23, 2020
I miss Mark every day and see him in everything these days. Glad he’s with god now.
Rose Miller
August 23, 2020
I met Mark a few years back with my neice Donna. He was such a nice man. My heart goes out to Danna & his family. Rest in peace Mark. You are free from that horrible, ruthless disease. Resting peacefully in our Father's house. God bless
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Mark Przedwojewski's name
Memorial Events
for Mark Przedwojewski
People and places connected with Mark
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Mark's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Mark Przedwojewski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
