Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, April 16 to honor the life and service of former State Sen. Mark Jansen. The flag honors will coincide with his celebration of life.

“Our state mourns loss of former state Senator Mark Jansen,” Governor Whitmer said. “He was someone who was deeply respected across the aisle. He will be remembered for his many years of dedicated service to the people of Michigan in the legislature and in the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. My deepest condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.”

Mark Jansen was born on September 13, 1959. He was a graduate of Grand Valley State University. He served as Gaines Township clerk from 1992 to 1996, as a state representative in the Michigan House from 1997 to 2002, and as a state senator in the Michigan Senate from 2007 to 2014. He also served as the director of the child care licensing division for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Jansen passed away on Tuesday, March 23 at the age of 61 years old.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of former state Senator Mark Jansen by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday, April 17.