Mark David Puls

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Wayne State University

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Mark Puls Obituary

PULS, MARK DAVID. Local author passes away. Former Detroit News reporter, author, and historian; passed away September 12, 2013; after a prolonged illness. Born July 24, 1963. Mark studied Journalism at Oakland Community College and Wayne State University. He worked as a Journalist for The Detroit News from 1990 to 2002, as a trial reporter, a feature writer and an investigative reporter. He especially enjoyed covering the construction of Comerica Park, from the building of the Hall of Fame statues to the selection of season ticket seats. For his work on a series on the civil rights of Native Americans, Mark was named one of Michigan's top investigative reporters by the Society of Professional Journalists for 2001. The series was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize the same year. Mark authored two books and co-authored a third. "Samuel Adams: Father of the American Revolution", is an illuminating biography of the political genius who started the American Revolution. Mark received the coveted Frances Tavern Award in 2007 for his book. Mark's authoritative work, "Henry Knox: Visionary General of the American Revolution, "brings to light the contributions of Knox as soldier, statesman and our nation's first Secretary of War. "Uncommon Valor: A Story of Race, Patriotism, and Glory in the Final Battles of the Civil War," for which Mark partnered with Melvin Claxton, tells the story of African-American soldiers who overcame oppression, suspicion, derision, and Confederate gunfire in the Civil War. Mark's books are found in major university libraries nationally and internationally, as well as in the personal library of former President Bill Clinton. Mark David Puls is survived by his parents, Gerald and Sheron Puls of Waterford; brothers, Michael Puls and wife, Carrie of Waterford and Matthew Puls and wife, Noosi of New Port Richey, FL; and sister, Leslie Marie and husband, Donald Lynch of Yacolt, WA. Mark David fought the good fight finished his course and kept the faith. Funeral Service Monday, September 16, 2013, 1 p.m. at Donelson, Johns and Evans Funeral Home, 5391 Highland Rd., Waterford, 48327. Pastor LE Traxler officiating. Interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday 12 Noon until the time of service. To send a private condolence to the family go to
www.donelsonjohnsevans.com

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Published by The Oakland Press from Sep. 13 to Sep. 14, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Puls

10 Entries

Mark Provoast

December 24, 2013

I was saddened to see that Mark passed away. My prayers go out to his family. I knew Mark through school and being in band with him. He was always creative and fun to be around.

Rich McCrum

November 26, 2013

I went to school with Mark when we were both kids growing up. Mark was smart, loving and fun to be around. I look forward to seeing him again on the other side of eternity. He will be missed.

Fred Ward

October 8, 2013

I just heard about Mark's passing via a shared Facebook post. I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are for his family and friends. I worked with Mark, nearly 30 years ago at Alvin's, he was kind, witty and one of the most brilliant people I have ever had the privilege to know, he taught me a lot. It's wonderful that he had so many triumphs with his writing, words and knowledge live forever.

Gilda Snowden

October 7, 2013

I am absolutely floored by the news about Mark! I can't believe it. I knew Mark when he was writing for the South End; he did a two part interview of me about my art career. He and I saw each other daily during that time, because he was working on the line at Alvin's Finer Delicatessen...I was an art student at WSU and ate lunch there everyday. Mark was this young, eager, extremely talented writer and we all knew he was going to do great things in his career....and he did. I am so sorry for sending this so late, but I just found out. Please accept my condolences and love. My heart hurts at this news.

Hawke Fracassa

September 16, 2013

I worked with Mark at The Detroit News when were both reporters there. He embodied the tenacity I admire in a good reporter. I recall one morning when Mark disobeyed a police officer to go into a crime scene that had been marked off-limited with yellow tape by the cops. He was there to get the story, and he did what he had to to get it. While News bosses scolded Mark for breaking the rules, privately, when they thought nobody was watching, they praised him among themselves for his fearless tenacity and commitment to quality journalism. At times Mark covered the same breaking stories as I did. Mark had a gentle approach, choosing to get his information with honey instead of vinegar. He spoke softly, looked people in the eye and engaged in genuine give-and-take, whether he was news-gathering or sharing a private conversation with a colleague. Mark was always a curious George with a quiet hunger for truth who never won the recognition in the journalism world that he deserved. Today we remember former Detroit News reporter Mark Puls as one of the good guys --a brilliant thinker who always gave more than he took from people.

Dave Westfall

September 16, 2013

Sorry to hear of his passing, What a great friend throughout our school years K thru 12

G. Stanczak

September 15, 2013

Words are inadequate, to express either the glory of his heavenly destination, or the sadness of his passing. My sympathies to his parents.

September 14, 2013

Mark and I became friends when he first moved to the Wayne State Area. We worked together at Alvin's and stayed friends for several years. I lost contact with him for the past several years but knew he was ill. He was a good guy who made me laugh. He got me a press pass for the second from last game at Tiger Stadium. The two of us went on the field, in the dugouts and clubhouse, and went on the roof of the stadium. I cherish those memories and am sorry to hear about his passing. Peace to Mark and all his family.

Randy and Lisa Callahan

September 14, 2013

Mark was a great friend I am sorry to hear of his passing Rest in Peace.

September 13, 2013

I am sorry for your loss. May your memories be comforting during this difficult time.

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