It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of Mark Solsburg on September 7, 2024  at his home in Michigan, surrounded by his family.

Mark was born on December 3, 1952, in Detroit to Joseph and Josephine Solsburg. He graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School in 1971 and pursued his passion for fine arts, studying Painting at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Northern Michigan University, and earning an MFA in Fine Arts from Michigan State University.

In 1985, Mark relocated to New York and joined the International Typeface Corporation (ITC) as Worldwide Marketing Director. In this role, he assisted in developing some of the industry's earliest OEM licensing agreements with major companies such as Apple, Adobe, Canon, Linotype, Compugraphic, and Xerox.

During his career in New York and Connecticut, Mark served as both a board member and president of the Type Directors Club (New York). He was also a principal partner at TypoBrand, a design consultancy specializing in the development of custom fonts for publishing, branding, and technology.

In 1988, he met his future wife, Elfi, on a commuter train from Connecticut to New York City. In 1990 Mark founded FontHaus, one of the first digital font resellers in the graphic design and media industry as well as other institutions. In 1993, Mark also began publishing X-HEIGHT, a typographic magazine for the graphic design industry. Between 2001 and 2003, Mark also served as a marketing consultant for Linotype GmbH in Germany.

Mark spent 22 years on the East Coast but always harbored a deep desire to return to Michigan, a wish he fulfilled in 2007 when he relocated with his family to Ann Arbor.

Mark had a passion for travel and never turned down an adventure. He also loved sailing, participating in classic car shows but was equally happy playing golf with his brothers during the summer. A lifelong animal lover, Mark had many pets and had a special soft spot for rescuing turtles and frogs from busy roads.

Mark's love for design and art shone through both in his professional achievements and personal endeavors. Though he had hoped to return to creating fine art following retirement, his plans were cut short by his battle with Alzheimer's.

Mark left us too soon and is survived by his wife and partner, Elfi; his son, Erin Adam; his siblings, Neil, Scott, Paul, Lisa, and Bruce; and his beloved Eskie, Jasper.

In memory of Mark, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.