Mark Leonard Rotarius Sr.
Mark Leonard Rotarius, Sr., 86, of Onaway, passed away on Wednesday July 15, 2015 at his home. Mark was born the youngest of 18 children on July 9, 1929 in Warren Township and raised in Centerline, Michigan. On April 14, 1951 he married Ardeth Kidder then shortly after was drafted into the military and served during the Korean War. After returning home, Mark found employment with Rural Electric Association in Onaway where he worked as a lineman before retiring after 39 ½ years.
Mark was a devoted husband to Ardeth and a loving father to seven children plus many foster children. Mark was a skilled carpenter and craftsman. He also enjoyed farming his land, raising horses and cattle, being a 4-H Horse Club leader, traveling across the country with his family, camping, and playing Santa for his community. During his years as a 4-H leader he was honored with a trip to Washington D.C.
After retiring Mark spent many mornings with friends at the coffee shop in Onaway. He was an active member of the Tip of the Mitt Antique Tractor Association. He also enjoyed his annual summer trip to Buckley, Michigan with his good friends. Every winter he was a “snow bird” traveling to Hereford, Arizona.
Surviving Mark is his wife of 64 years, Ardeth; his children, Mara Jane (Robin) Ormsbee, Candace (David) Pavwoski, Sal Bemis, Teresa Rotarius, Robin Patterson, Mark Rotarius, Jr., and Amanda (Jose) Fuentes. Mark also leaves his grandchildren, Jack (Clare Sherley) Slowriver, Alisha Ford, Briana (Michael)
Also surviving is his sister, Sister Theresa Rotarius and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. Any memorial donations may be made in memory of Mark to the Tip of the Mitt Antique Tractor Association in care of Dick Hart www.onawayantiquetractor.com. Condolences may be shared with Mark’s family at www.chagnonfh.com.