Obituary for Marinus "Marty" Mulder

Marinus “Marty” Mulder went to be with the Lord on April 26, 2026, at the age of 77 surrounded by his loved ones. Born on November 20, 1948, to Albert and Dorothy Mulder, Marty was a lifelong resident of Portland and a proud member of the Portland community he loved so deeply.

Marty graduated from Portland High School with the Class of 1966 and remained a devoted Raider throughout his life. He went on to earn an Associate’s degree in Construction Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Land Surveying from Ferris State. In 1979, he founded Mulder and Associates Land Surveying in Portland, building a respected business that he owned and operated for over four decades alongside his loyal associate, Ivan Maystead.

A proud veteran, Marty served his country as a Navy Seabee at Naval Support Activity Da Nang, Vietnam, from 1969 to 1970, and continued his service at home as an active member of the Portland VFW and American Legion.

Marty was a true craftsman, finding joy in building and creating. Whether it was constructing a playhouse for his daughters or crafting beautiful homes, his work reflected both skill and love. He also cherished the simple pleasures of life, especially summers spent along the shores of Lake Michigan at his beloved cottage, the Cut-Luce-Key, where he was a “Beach Boy” at heart.

Family was the center of Marty’s world. A devoted husband to his wife of 53 years, Lucy, and a loving father to his daughters, Marcy (Pete) Noot, Andrea (Gregor) Simons, and Susan (Mark) Folsom, he took immense pride in his “little chipmunks.” His role as grandfather, known affectionately as “Mopa” (and also “The Iron Curtain,” “Mopes,” and “Moneybags”), brought him endless joy. He could often be found cheering on his grandchildren: Wyatt, Marina, Tucker Noot; Kaylynn, Luke, Sophia Simons; and David and Ava Folsom from the sidelines or spending treasured time with them at the Mulder “ranch” and the beach.

Marty loved adventure and togetherness. Each spring, he spent several weeks in Panama City Beach visiting his youngest daughter and her family. There, he embraced life fully, boogie boarding, playing bocce ball and paddle ball, tossing a frisbee or football, and building sandcastles with his grandchildren. He also found peace and solace at Pinestump Camp, his hunting cabin in Ralph, a special place he helped build with his father.

Mole was blessed with lifelong friendships, including his cherished group known as “The Point Gang”- Rico, Tinker, Doc, Nasty, Flea, and Ormy- as well as his dear friends Spike and Spiderman, and countless others whose lives he touched.

Marty was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Dorothy Mulder; his sisters, Janet Gensterblum and Eleanor Westfall; and his in-laws, Arthur and Ava Grossenbacher. He is survived by his sister, Donna (Vic) Trierweiler; his beloved wife, Lucy; his daughters and sons-in-law; his treasured grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

Marty will be remembered for his steady presence, his craftsmanship, his love of family, an unparalleled work ethic, a respected businessman, and the joy he found in life’s simplest moments. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the friendships he nurtured, and the community he helped build.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Marty can be made to Portland VFW Post 4090 or checks made out to Portland Public Schools with “Mulder donation” in memo.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland. Friends and family may visit from 12:00 p.m. until the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the First Congregational Church, Portland. Interment with military honors will follow at Portland Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.