Louann Fark

Louann Luallen Fark, of Manistee, Michigan, died peacefully at home on July 13, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Ohio on March 12, 1957. She is survived by her much-loved husband of 23 years, Alan, whom she married on July 6, 1985 in Ohio. She is also survived by daughter, Kristen Tate of Grandville, son, Ryan, who attends Kalamazoo College and daughter, Kara, who will attend Columbia College. Affectionately called "Gigi" by her grand-children, Brianna and Braylen Tate, she was recently blessed by another grandchild, Kendall Outwater, in March. Louann also had special relationships with her Goddaughter, Jordan Ziemke, and her four-legged canine baby, Murphy. Other survivors include siblings, Lisa, Linda, Laura and Brian and their spouses. Louann's mother, Roberta Luallen, also survives. Louann's father, William A. Luallen died on March 2, 2005 after a valiant battle with cancer. In addition, she leaves behind her mother-in-law, Geneva Fark and numerous nieces and nephews. Louann received her RN diploma in nursing from Henry Ford Hospital in 1977. She went on to attend various institutions of higher learning over the span of 22 years, finally graduating from Spring Arbor College in 1999 with a BA in Family Education. In recent years she briefly attended Davenport University, working toward an MBA. Most recently Louann worked as the Nurse Educator at West Shore Medical Center in Manistee, Michigan. Prior to that she was a substitute teacher for the Chelsea Public School system in Chelsea, Michigan, and had also held numerous management and clinical positions in her nursing career. Previous work also includes various volunteer positions, including serving on the boards of directors of The Youth Dance Theatre in Chelsea and Goodwill Industries of South Central Michigan in Jackson. She was a volunteer with the American Red Cross, and served the Girl Scouts of America as a Troop Leader for five years. Louann had the good fortune to accomplish her major goals in life: nurturing a remarkable spousal relationship based on love and mutual respect, raising three amazing children, being a good "Gigi," and making the time to enjoy simple pleasures like walking on the beach or relaxing in a hot tub under the stars. Louann also leaves behind her many cherished friends and "family". Thanks, love and "hugs" to them all. In honor of the fact that Louann loved to feed and nurture those around her, please direct any memorials to Shepherd's Table, 125 Stimson St., Cadillac, MI 49601. In place of a funeral, Louann wished that a private celebration of her life with a close circle of family be held in a ceremony on the Lake Michigan shore. The family has entrusted the Oak Grove Cremation Center of Manistee with funeral arrangements.