Stephen Marks Obituary

Stephen Marks

Stephen Patrick Marks, a devoted educator, entrepreneur, and father, passed away on December 22, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 73. He was surrounded by loved ones after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born in Virginia on April 8, 1951, Steve was raised in Midland, Michigan. He graduated from Midland High School in 1969 and went on to earn a bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics from Michigan State University, a school he cherished throughout his life.

Steve began his career as a math teacher in various Michigan schools, eventually landing at Dow High School in Midland, where he also coached track and cross-country. After ten years, he returned to Michigan State for a master's in operations research, briefly worked at Bell Labs, then transitioned into entrepreneurship. Driven by a vision of technology enhancing education, he founded Data Image in 1987 and Alternative View in 1996, both companies supplying schools with multimedia projection equipment. He concluded his diverse career by returning to his roots, teaching math at Sedona High School in Arizona until his retirement in 2017.

In his leisure time, Steve pursued his love for reading and golf, often enjoying rounds with his lifelong friend Joe North. Also a passionate explorer, Steve delighted in taking the scenic route, poring over maps to uncover hidden gems along the way. His travels took him to all 50 states and extended abroad to Europe and China. In his later years, he found immense joy in Sedona, Arizona, hiking its trails and logging over 1,000 miles annually on multiple occasions.

Surviving Steve are his sons, Daniel and Michael (wife Hannah, children Mia and Emma), from his 30-year marriage with Cherie Marks, with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship; his sister, Jill (husband Scott); and his brothers, Chris (wife Huichae) and Tim. He was predeceased by his father, Dr. Virginius Archer "Mark" Marks (d. 2005), mother, (Emma) Marye Marks (d. 2012), and brother, Craig Marks (d. 2024).

The family is planning a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, they request that donations be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation in Steve's memory. Contributions can be made through this GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/fe28f1f9

Published by Midland Daily News on Jan. 10, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Marks

10 Entries

Don Christensen

January 30, 2025

I, too, grew up in Midland with Steve, having played on the same Little League baseball team (Al's Sport Shop) since we were both about 8 years old. He and his girlfriend attended the MHS senior prom with my date and me, and then we became roommates at Michigan State our first year. Much later, both being business owners, I occasionally rented specialized business equipment from his firm via long distance shipping.

I am incredibly sad to hear of Steve's passing. I knew and admired him and his entire family as a young man in Midland, and I celebrate his life today.

john Dooley

January 13, 2025

A kind and compassionate neighbor.....

Karyl Goldsmith, teacher at SRRHS

January 13, 2025

Godspeed, Steve. The kids at Sedona Red Rock HS loved you as did your colleagues. You always had a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eyes.

Linda Weaver & Fran Brooks

January 13, 2025

When Fran and I first came to Morning Sun, Steve was one of the first people we met. He was absolutely one of the nicest, most welcoming person we met. As we traveled back and forth from NY to Sedona, he was one of the first people we went to look for. He knew to call me if he needed a ride or, well, just needed to talk. My heart is heavy that I will not see him at the mailbox or that I can't just decide to knock on his door. We need more people like Steve in our turbulent, upside down world. He will live in my heart.

Joe North

January 12, 2025

Steve and I were lifelong best friends. I was so lucky to have him in my life for all these years.
We always gave each other a good jab. Steve could dish it out but he could also take it.
We played golf all over Michigan, Florida, Georgia and Arizona for many years. We used to meet in south Florida every winter where his parents both lived and probably played nearly every course in the Palm Beach area.
Rest in peace dear friend and thank you for all wonderful memories!

Rick D.

January 12, 2025

Steve was the very first person that I met in our little Sedona community after we bought our unit in 2012. He was a very friendly and kind man. Whether it was to hike, going out for lunch or just having coffee, it was always a pleasure to see him. My deepest condolences to all of Steve´s family and friends.

Mark Sadek

January 11, 2025

Steve Marks and his family lived next door to my family starting in 1959. I knew Steve as an adult when he was teaching math at Dow High School. My parents were friends with Steve's mom and dad. I also knew his brother's and his sister Jill when I was very young. So sorry to read of Steve's passing. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Mike Labowitch

January 10, 2025

Thanks for being my irreplaceable chili chef at our numerous Super Bowl parties. RIP, Steve...you are missed.

Carol Morello

January 10, 2025

I went to high school with Steve. Even when we were adolescents, Steve was always a class at. I'm glad he got to enjoy the world. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.

Andrea Devine Varner

January 10, 2025

So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. We worked together in Bad Axe and I have so many wonderful memories of those times. He filled our lives with laughter.

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