Obituary of Mark James Dorey

Mark James Dorey, a cherished soul known lovingly as Markie to his friends and family, left this world peacefully due to natural causes on April 28, 2025, in his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan. Born on January 30, 1980, in the same close-knit community, Mark's journey was one of joy, love, and unwavering faith.

Mark's life was a beautiful testament to the love he held for his extensive family. He shared a special bond with the mother of his children, Rachel Nutt, whose partnership in parenting nurtured a loving environment for their family. He was the proud and dedicated father to Allesea Quackenbush, wife to Dennis, Gabrielle Dorey, Lilly Dorey, Nicholas Himmelein, Cheeto Himmelein, Emma Himmelein, Graceson Dorey, and Melissa Roberts. His role as a father was the most treasured part of his life, and the legacy he leaves through his children is immeasurable.

He was the beloved son of EvaLinda Ortega and Baldo Ortega and his roots were further grounded by the love and guidance of his grandmother, Connie Menzel, and predeceased grandfather Robert Menzel and his mother & father-in-law Amy McClanahan and Norm McClanahan. Mark’s life was enriched by his siblings, Robert, Stephanie, Steven (married to Tiffeni), Rosita, Estrella, Nick, Nicole, and Steve, all of whom shared an unbreakable bond with him. The joy of his family circle was amplified by the laughter and love of his nieces and nephews, including Summer, Ashley, Destiny, Antonio, Anastasia, Katelyn, Hennesha, Sierra, Amyah, Tiara, Brooke, Evan, Austin, Destiny, Deanna, Kinsley, Alijah, Emily, Christian, and Austin. His world was made even brighter with the unconditional love of his grandbaby, Laiken Roberts. Moments with his aunts and uncles - Mary (husband Joe), Christina (husband Roberto), Steven (wife Lanette), Bobby (wife Susan), Edward (wife Tamara), and Sandy (husband Philip) - were all cherished treasuries of time.

Mark attended St. Charles High School, where his love for learning and community was evident. He carried the values of hard work and service into his professional life as a mechanic, where he was known not only for his expertise but also for his caring nature and willingness to lend a helping hand.

His passions extended beyond his work. Mark was a man of many talents and interests, which included sports, drawing, singing, and most of all, spending quality time with his children and family. These shared moments were the highlights of his life and the source of countless cherished memories.

Faith-filled, loving, and spirited, Mark inspired those around him to live with purpose and joy. His warmth and generosity touched many lives, and his spirit will live on through the kindness he showed to others. As Helen Keller once said, "What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Mark embodied this sentiment, leaving a part of himself with everyone he met.

As we say goodbye to Mark, we are comforted by the knowledge that his legacy will continue through the stories, the laughter, and the deep connections he fostered throughout his life. He showed us the importance of faith, the strength of family bonds, and the joy that comes from living a life filled with love.

Mark's presence will be profoundly missed, but the echoes of his laughter and the memory of his unwavering spirit will remain with us always. He has been a beacon of light in the lives of many, and his passing reminds us to cherish every moment with the ones we love.

In the same community where his story began, Mark James Dorey's story came to a peaceful close, surrounded by the love of his family, the beauty of his hometown, and the faith that guided him through life. As we honor his memory, we take solace in knowing that Mark’s journey was one of purpose and that his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.  

A Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM, May 8, 2025, at Beacon of Hope Church, 2109 W. Michigan Ave., Saginaw MI.  The family will receive friends at church prior to the service from 10 AM – 1 PM. To sign online guestbook, visit www.hyattewald.com  Arrangements made with the Hyatt Ewald Funeral Home.