Volunteer: Mark Kraai

A Man of Ministry and Music

By Jim Coppinger, Milestone Senior Services Volunteer

Woody Allen famously said, “Eighty percent of success in life is just showing up.” Someone who has lived that principle his entire life is Mark Kraai (“cry”)—with a life dedicated to community service.

Mark is an ordained minister serving churches in Chicago, Kalamazoo at Bethany Reform Church, and New Jersey. Finally, after ten years as a professor at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, Mark and his wife, Linda, retired back in Kalamazoo. His wife, Linda Lesniak, PhD, is also an active community volunteer – as well as their dog Daisy, a warmhearted Labradoodle, as they visit area senior living facilities. Linda was a professor of mathematics at WMU.

Mark says his religious belief and training obviously infl uence his desire to serve those in need. And rather than preaching these noble tenants just from the pulpit, it was more important for him to “show rather than tell”—to lead by example. Through modeling expectations, members of his congregations were encouraged to follow and many did. During retirement, Mark has volunteered at Ministry with Community serving meals and providing support for those the organization serves. He joined AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP at Milestone Senior Services in 2019 with an interest in tutoring. As for “being there,” Mark’s typical week (before the pandemic) was spending part of his Mondays teaching math to 3rd graders and mentoring students with Kalamazoo Public Schools, Tuesdays with volunteer music programs at assisted-living communities and Wednesdays at Ministry with Community. Mark is an accomplished musician playing several instruments including the guitar, bass, and tuba. He is a member of the Kalamazoo Concert Band, has played with the New Year’s Tuba Fest and performed with the acclaimed Tuba Christmas for several years at New York’s Rockefeller Plaza. His musical talents have been an important part of his volunteer efforts leading songs and musical programs for centers around the area. He says he continually has the opportunity to show kindness and support when he is out walking Daisy around the downtown area where he resides. As he strolls the streets, he comes in daily contact with those in need of empathy, understanding, and human interaction. Mark, who will quickly tell you he receives more than he gives, tells the story of one particular fellow—Dan. They would frequently meet at the bench Dan frequents and just talk. One day, Mark said he was going out of town to see his brother in Iowa who was in hospice. Mark lost his brother on that trip. A week later, he bumped into Dan and Dan immediately asked about his brother; Mark told him he had passed. Dan grabbed Mark’s hand, looked into his eyes, and with such sincerity, told Mark how sorry he was to hear this. It is a moment Mark will always remember.

Milestone Senior Services (previously known as Senior Services of Southwest Michigan) is an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee. AmeriCorps Seniors empowers people age 55 and older to serve their communities. RSVP helps people fi nd a volunteer opportunity that fi ts their passion. There are currently opportunities in Kalamazoo County and a few in Calhoun County. Volunteers are needed with Meals on Wheels, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, Telephone Reassurance for Seniors, Milestone Home Repair, and more. Regular, fl exible schedules available. Contact RSVP at 269-382-0515 or apply to volunteer at www.milestoneseniorservices.org.