Mark Israel

Mark Israel of Birch Run, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side, on Saturday, March 1, 2025. He was 75 years old. Mark Israel was born on February 20, 1950, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, to the late Rev. Herman Jr. and Betty Jane (Bluemel) Israel. He attended Buena Vista High School, leaving to obtain his GED, truck driving license, and proudly receiving his builder’s license which he maintained throughout his life. While out on a blind date, he met the love of his life, Rosalie Ann Hepinstall. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on February 3, 1974, at the Church of God; she preceded him in death on October 21, 2022. Mark was the owner and operator of Christian Bros. Construction, retiring after many years of loyal and dedicated service. He was the quintessential family man, always putting the needs of his wife, children, and grandchildren ahead of his own. A lifelong and faithful Christian, he was a former member of Anchor of Hope Church in Saginaw and Charity Tabernacle Church in Chesaning. Mark devoted his entire life to God, his faith, and the community of friends he made while worshiping in church. He enjoyed dancing with his wife, Rosalie, golfing, bowling, hunting, and watching sports on television. What truly made Mark’s heart feel full was the selfless love he had for his large, close-knit family, as well as all gatherings they shared together over the years. He will forever be remembered as a man with a “big heart”, for selflessly helping anyone in need, for being the glue that held the family together, and for leaving a legacy he can proudly pass on to all his family.

Surviving are two daughters and a son: Tammie (Mark) Massey of Flushing; Mark Junior Israel of Saginaw; Robin Thiel of Saginaw; seven grandchildren: Amber Elizabeth (Tommy Lee) Dover; Kelsey Lynn Lefler; Aaron Michael (Haleigh) Massey; Charles Hudson Lefler; Tevin Terell (Alejandra) Jackson; Christian (Quin) Mark Jackson; and Taylor Lawrence Jackson; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Enola Gay “Dee-Dee” Danks of Bridgeport; Frankie (Jim) Brown of Saginaw; and a sister-in-law: Loretta Israel of Saginaw. Also surviving are many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends too numerous to list, but held closely to his heart.

Mark was preceded by his parents, Rev. Herman Jr. and Betty Jane Israel; sisters, Veronica Fritz; Debra Noma Lee Wellman; three brothers: Hurley Rey Israel; Reverand Duncan Arthur Doyle Israel; and David Paul Israel.

A funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 5700 Dixie Highway, Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Rob Richards will officiate. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Make a Wish Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.case funeralhome.com.