Mark R. Arnemann

Mark R. Arnemann, age 69 of Grand Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 due to complications after surgery. He was born on September 14, 1951 in Blue Island, IL to the late Joseph Robert “Bob” and Elsie (Brock) Arnemann. They later moved to Chicago Heights where he spent his youth.

As a child, he played sports and reached the pinnacle of success when his 3 for 4 batting performance and 3 RBI’s at Small Fry Park was recognized in the local paper, the Chicago Heights Star. Unfortunately, his name was misspelled as “Monk” Arnemann.

Mark and his family then moved to Grand Rapids, where he finished his last two years of high school, although he preferred working at Butterworth Hospital’s kitchen vs. actually attending class. This job allowed him to generate some cash to purchase his first car, a 1968 Road Runner, which began his love for classic cars. Even though Mark spent most of his life in Michigan, he always considered himself a “Heights Guy.”

After marrying his beloved sweetheart, Pam, he began the dual role of husband and student.  They relocated to Kalamazoo where Pam worked in a fancy office and Mark drove a garbage truck to put food on the table, while he studied Finance at Western Michigan University.

After college, Mark became a banker, starting his career with Union Bank, first in the branch system, and then in commercial lending.  His last day in the branches ended up with police at the front door with guns drawn as apparently the vault door was opened incorrectly. Commercial banking was a better fit. Mark then joined the Peoples Bank in Grand Haven in 1985. This move brought the family to the community where the children were raised and where Mark eventually retired, in Robinson Township. He was a member of the Rotary Club and served as Chairman of the Board of Christian Haven Home in Holland.

Mark enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling “up north” with Pam, and being the best “papa” to his five grandchildren. He was a kind man, who enjoyed a simple life, but left a mark on everyone he met.

Mark is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Pam; and two children, Erin (William) Santoso of San Carlos, CA and David (Alyssa) Arnemann of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren: Jonas, Isaac, and Eli Arnemann, and Liam and Emma Santoso; as well as his sister, Marcia Arnemann of Chicago. Mark donated his body to the University of Michigan Medical School just as his parents had done.

A Memorial Mass for Mark will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Church, Grand Haven. Masks and Social Distancing will be required. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Mark may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Michigan, an organization dear to his heart, having lost his father to the disease.

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