Mark Andrew Wickering

Mark Andrew Wickering died May 15, 2026, at 38 years young. 

Born June 5, 1987, at Blodgett hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mark grew up in the Fulton Heights neighborhood in Grand Rapids. He attended St. Thomas the Apostle school and later graduated from Catholic Central High School in 2005. He attended Grand Rapids Community College, while exploring which career path he wanted to pursue. He ultimately worked in various fields and especially excelled in the trades, whether it was building, electric, painting – he could do it all. Mark enjoyed working alongside his dad and his friends in these endeavors – especially if it helped someone.

Mark was gifted beyond measure in everything he did. Academics came naturally. He could ace any test with little effort, write an incredible, beautifully written short story in hardly any time at all. He could pick up any instrument and teach himself how to play. Mark was also a wildly talented artist, a skill he spent countless hours honing as a child. Mark learned to play chess from his dad and grandpa Frank alongside his brother, a game the three of them would spend the rest of their lives sharing and competing against one another.  He was also an avid video game player and took great pride in his ability to – in his words – “whoop” anyone who challenged him to a game, especially if it was Super Smash Bros. Mark had a special affinity for music, dancing, nature, and animals… and he leaned on all of these things throughout his life.

Most of all, Mark had a deep and sincere respect and gratitude for people – especially his beloved family and friends. He had an extraordinary gift for showing endless empathy, compassion, and love. He formed genuine connections with everyone he encountered by showing a keen interest in them and their lives. Mark asked questions and listened – making you feel valued and seen. He studied the Tao Te Ching and all of Eckhart Tolle’s work, and he applied those teachings, spreading peace, love, and happiness however he could.

Mark was a true friend to all and will always be remembered for his empathy and kindness to others.

Mark was preceded in death by his Grandpa Bob (James Robert Wickering) and Grandma Shirley Ruth Wickering, and his Uncle Chuck (Charles Edward Wickering). He is survived by his mother, Kelly Joy de Souza (Polo Zavala) and his father, Mark Allen Wickering and stepmother, Pamela Lyn Wickering; his brother, Allen Henry Wickering, his sister, Monica Joy Stover (Bo) and her children, his nieces, Finley and Monroe Stover, and his stepsister, Tracy Lyn Bell and her children, his step niece and nephews, Victoria, Daniel, and Seth Rake; his grandmother, Joy Merryman Barker (Daniel) and his grandfather, Frank Anderson (Tammy); his great uncle, James Anderson (Karla); great aunts, Angela Werner (Morgan), Monica Simpson (Steve)his aunts, Pamela Love, Lisa Renee, Deborah Wickering, Patricia Wickering (Frederick Schoonbeck), and Bette Moeggenborg; his fiancé, Mandie Howe; and his loving cousins, Erika, Evan, and Olivia Tvedten, Eddie Moeggenborg, and Hannah Skinner (Justin).  

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 27, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood) from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and again from 6:00-8:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church (1449 Wilcox Park Dr. SE, Grand Rapids) on Thursday, May 28, at 10:30 am, with a luncheon immediately following at St. Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan – be nice., to support the organization’s “be nice” mission supporting mental health awareness. Contributions may also be made to the BISSELL Pet Foundation or the Humane Society of West Michigan in honor of Mark’s enduring love for animals.