Mark Ivan Vander Jagt

Mark Vander Jagt, 79, of Tucson, AZ passed away on January 14, 2023, at his home surrounded by members of his loving family.

Mark was born in Sheboygan, WI on February 25, 1943, to Marvin and Harriet (Soerens) Vander Jagt of Cedar Grove, WI. Mark attended Cedar Grove High School where he participated in several athletic programs. It was his skill with a basketball that propelled him to All State success and earned him a 4-year scholarship to Michigan State University. His record of 1,904 points remains at the top of the scoring board at Cedar Grove-Belgium High School to this day.

It was at MSU where he met his wife of nearly 58 years, Karen First. They were married on campus on January 23, 1965, and remained residents of East Lansing, MI for 30 years. Mark taught briefly at Dewitt Public Schools before joining the Human Resources department at Lansing Board of Water and Light. After 27-plus years, Mark retired as Director of Human Resources and he and Karen moved to Tucson, AZ.

Mark is survived by his wife Karen; daughters Jill (Robert) Walker of Austin, TX and Suzanne Vander Jagt of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren M. Sara (Odie) Fraley, Kellie Walker and Jonathan Walker; sister Jean (Don) Schreurs; sister-in-law Linda Vander Jagt; his nieces and nephews and their families; and many great friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Lee, and his sister Jane (Rodney) Teunissen.

A day did not go by without his acknowledging how lucky he was to have his family.

Mark enjoyed golfing, playing cards with family and friends – honing the cribbage skills of all generations of the family – and watching his beloved MSU Spartans play football and basketball. (GO GREEN!)

A memorial service will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery on June 3, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with lunch to follow in Rosemary Hall at First Reformed Church, 237 S Main Street, Cedar Grove, WI.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage everyone to honor Mark by getting together with your loved ones and having a good laugh!