Mark Thurber Sauers

Mark Thurber Sauers, 54, of South Haven, MI, died at his home surrounded by family on Sunday, June 29, 2014, after a short, hard, and brave encounter with cancer. He was born November 19, 1959, to Frederick W. Sauers and Rosemary A. Thurber in LaGrange, IL. Mark was a graduate of Lyons Township High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Mark owned Thurber-Sauers Builders, first in Western Springs, IL, then in Glenn, MI. He was a builder and furniture maker who lives on in the creativity and artistry of his work and in the lives of those he so generously mentored.

Family, and friends—many of them lifelong—will remember Mark for his keen sense of humor and his gift for making any event better. He was a loyal and giving friend who had many loves: cooking, auto racing, guitars, and animals—especially his dogs. He was a true romantic.

Mark is survived by his best friend and partner, Rebekah Johnson of Norton Shores, MI; parents, Fred (Linda Roberts) Sauers of Burr Ridge, IL, and Rosie Thurber of South Haven, MI; sister, Sara (Mike Lewis-Beck) Sauers of Iowa City, Iowa; brother, Greg (Mary) Sauers of LaGrange, IL; nephews, Adam Sauers and Colin Lewis-Beck, and niece, Elizabeth Sauers.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Contributions in Mark’s memory may be made to the Al-Van Humane Society in South Haven, MI.