Mark Alan Hodney, son of Donald Carter and Cora Lou (Woehler) (1930-2015) Hodney, was born 23 January 1953, Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan. Mark graduated in 1971 from Okemos High School and went on to also graduate from Ferris State College, Big Rapids, Mecosta County, Michigan.

Mark became a Real Estate Broker, developer and recognized environmentalist in Ingham County.  

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Saturday 24 November 1989

HONORS

Mark Hodney of Briarwood Development company of Okemos was recently recognized by the Okemos Board of Education for providing time and expertise to the school district.  Hodney helped in the development of the Hiawatha Elementary School.

Mark was killed in a boating accident 15 June 1996.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 18 June 1996

HEAD INJURIES CALLED CAUSE OF BOATER'S DEATH

REAL ESTATE BROKER REMEMBERS FOR EFFORTS TO BOOST SCHOOL SYSTEM

A Haslett man killed in a weekend boating accident died of head injuries, authorities said Monday.

Mark Hodney, 43, a local real estate broker, suffered the fatal injuries Saturday night during a two-boat crash on darkened Lake Lansing.

Preliminary autopsy results showed Hodney did not drown in the 10:24 p.m. crash.  His boat collided with a boat piloted by Barry Spengler, 45, of Haslett, Ingham County Prosecutor Donald Martin said.

Hodney's boat sank after the crash.  He was pulled to shore but was dead when emergency workers arrived.

Dr. Laurence Simson, an Ingham County pathologist, released preliminary findings Monday but is completing other tests.

Breathalyzer and blood tests showed the Spengler, who suffered minor injuries, was not intoxicated or impaired by alcohol at the time of the crash.  Spengler's passenger, Joan Hrcka, 25, of Owosso, was not injured.

"Test results on Hodney's blood have not been competed and may not be available for several days," Martin said.

The boats collided in the middle of the lake.  Authorities said speed was a factor but did not know how fast the boats were going.  It was not determined whether the boats had their running lights on as required by law.

Hodney was a graduate of Okemos High School and Ferris State college.  He learned his trade from his father, Donald Hodney, a well-known Meridian Township developer who built the Briarwood subdivision in the 1980's.

Mark Hodney was recognized by the Okemos Board of Education in 1989 for the development of Hiawatha Elementary School.  He also donated the school's Butterfly and Nature Center.

"He was a person you had to love," said Bob Homan, a local real estate consultant.  "He's one of the hardest working individuals I've ever known.  When you asked Mark to get something done, he got something done."

He is survived by his mother and father and three children, Jennifer, Eric and Brian.

"He had this real love of nature...and, on a personal level, he was just an enthusiastic father in my eyes," said Virginia White, Meridian Township clerk.

A funeral is set for 4 p.m. Thursday at Gorsline-Runciman Co.'s East Chapel in East Lansing, Visitation will follow the service.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 18 June 1996

MARK A. HODNEY

HASLETT

Age 43, born January 23, 1954; died June 15, 1996.  Mark was a graduate of Okemos High School and Ferris State College; and was most recently a Real Estate Broker and member of the Board of Realtors.  As the developer of the Spring Lake Neighborhood in Meridian Township, in conjunction with his father, Don Hodney, Mark was noted for his sensitivity to environmental issues.  His designs received several awards, including the Environmental Awareness Award from the Greater Lansing Home Builders Association.  He was commended by the Okemos Board of Education for his active role in the development of Hiawatha Elementary School, and he also built and donated the Butterfly and Nature Center of the school.  Mark had been active in numerous public causes, including the preservation of the Ingham County Library system, Habitat for Humanity and the Michigan Dyslexia Institute.  Surviving are 3 children, Jennifer Lynn, Eric Scott and Brian James; father, Donald Carter Hodney; mother, Cora Lou Hodney; and 1 sister, Connie Lee (David) Dickhaut.  Mark was an excellent skier, a gifted photographer, and a very loving father who will be missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 20, 4 p.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River, East Lansing, with the rev. Kathryn DeMougin, Unity Minister, officiating.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Friday 19 September 1997

JUDGE FREES MAN IN BOATING DEATH

THE CASE

DEFENDANT: Barry Spengler

ACCUSATIONS: Charged with negligent homicide in the June 1996 boating death of Mark Hodney, a local real estate broker.

RESULTS: Acquitted by Ingham County Judge William Collette who said the prosecutor didn't prove his case.