Mark & Carmin Rollenhagen

When he was just a boy, Mark Rollenhagen’s dad put up a pole barn behind their house so his son could spend his idle time tinkering with machines instead of getting into trouble. It didn’t take long before Mark was performing the work of a skilled mechanic.
In 2000, Mark turned his hobby into a backyard business that not only sustained his family, but also afforded them an opportunity to give back to their community.
On July 14, Mark’s Auto Shop on Judson Road just outside of Coopersville was completely destroyed when a fire ripped through the old building. Insurance will cover the two cars that were in the shop, but it won’t replace the building or any of the tools and equipment, leaving the family without any income or seed money to start over.
The hardship is compounded by the loss this winter of their barn when an animal is believed to have toppled a heat lamp, igniting a fire that also killed the children’s 4-H feeder calves.
The Rollenhagens are deeply committed to faith, family and their community. Active in many churches, Mark, his wife Carmin, and their four children – Jeffrey, Raynah, Nathan and Nicholas – have also been dedicated members and volunteers with numerous local community organizations, including 4-H, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Berlin Fair, band and the VFW.
Always willing and quick to lend a hand to anyone in need, this family now needs help getting back on their feet. A goal of $5,000 has been set to tide the family over for a few months and hopefully provide some capital for Mark to get re-established.