Eugene Mark

Eugene Felix Mark September 6, 1946 – October 14, 2026 Eugene “Gene” Mark, 80, of Manteno, Illinois, passed away on October 14, 2026. Born September 6, 1946, in Chicago, Gene was the son of Felix “Duke” and Florence (née Siemon) Mark. From an early age, Gene had an independent streak and a knack for adventure. Born in Chicago, his family eventually settled in Homewood, Illinois. Wherever he lived, Gene could usually be found out with his friends, leaving home in the morning and staying out as long as he possibly could, often returning only when someone insisted. As he grew older, that independent, mischievous spirit never left him. Gene once said he did what he wanted to do, and those who knew him would agree. He lived life on his own terms. Gene proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, a reflection of his lifelong patriotism. He loved his country and remained a proud veteran throughout his life. On September 10, 1966, Gene married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Bonnie Biittner, in Homewood. Together, they shared nearly 60 years of marriage, building a life filled with family, friendship, adventure, and countless fishing trips. Gene loved and cherished Bonnie, caring for her with unwavering devotion until her passing in April 2026. Gene inherited his love of cars from his father, who taught him to turn a wrench and appreciate a good engine. That passion became a lifelong pursuit. For decades, Gene owned and operated a paint shop in Homewood, and there was little he couldn't fix. He was the family's resident handyman, mechanic, and source of practical advice, always willing to lend his knowledge to anyone who needed it. He enjoyed spending time at Troy's car shop, and his most recent acquisition, a 1952 Buick, was destined to be his next project. Even at 80, Gene was still making plans and looking forward to the next thing. To his nieces and nephews, Gene was the quintessential uncle. He loved teasing his sisters, getting the kids riled up, and stirring up just enough trouble to keep everyone entertained. He once proudly declared that he scared little children—and loved it. One particularly memorable adventure involved setting Grandma Thelma's grass on fire while shooting off fireworks, a secret that, thankfully, Grandma never discovered. He had an alter ego, “Geno,” his very own mob boss persona. He enjoyed playing the tough guy, but those who knew him best understood there was much more beneath that exterior. Gene was always unmistakably himself. Yet beneath that tough exterior was a man with a generous heart. Every Christmas Eve, Gene could be counted on to assemble the toys, particularly elaborate GI Joe sets, sometimes working well into the early hours of Christmas morning. He also frequently played Santa Claus and once entertained the idea of attending Santa school to make it a retirement pursuit. Gene found some of his greatest happiness in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, particularly at the cabin in Chetek. He loved fishing, boating, and the simple pleasure of sitting on the deck enjoying the solitude. He and Bonnie shared many wonderful vacations and cherished memories there, as well as time spent at the Cajun Inn and Chautauqua. Gene also loved tending his garden, producing an impressive crop of tomatoes year after year. He made a mean homemade Italian sausage, loved a good lasagna, and had a sweet tooth that was hard to satisfy. Whether it was a candy bar or a bowl of ice cream, Gene rarely passed up something sweet. Gene could be stubborn, opinionated, and delightfully mischievous. He loved his cars, his guns, his garden, his friends, and, above all, Bonnie. Behind his sometimes gruff demeanor was a softhearted man who showed his love through the things he did for others. He treasured the friendships he made over the years, including the camaraderie of his workout buddies at the gym. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, practical wisdom, laughter, and memories that will continue to be shared for years to come. Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie; their daughter, Victoria Lynn; his parents, Felix “Duke” and Florence Mark; and his cherished cats, Freddie, Snookie, Dusty, Frieda, and Tommy Boy. He is survived by his sisters, Janis Cadieux, Joan Gettings, and Julie Brulloths; his brother-in-law, Dennis Biittner; and many nieces, nephews, and their families: Cher (Jeff) Arseneau and her children Steven and Caitlyn Bell; Paul (Lecia) Cadieux; Jennifer Gettings; Mark (Diane) Gettings; Stephanie (Casey) Jackl and their children Isaac and Marcus; Jacob (Ada) Brulloths and their children Jada, Bonnie, Luna, and Jacob II; Valerie Brulloths; Rachel (Tony) Langenohl and their children Maggie and Keegan; Jeremy (Kala) Biittner and their son Jackson; and Mark Kuroski. He also leaves behind extended family and many friends. Gene never claimed to follow anyone else's rules, and he certainly wasn't about to start. He lived, loved, laughed, and occasionally caused a little trouble—all on his own terms. And in the end, he did it his way. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Brown-Jensen Funeral Home from 4pm until 6pm. Burial will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Noon. A celebration of life will follow at the Manteno American Legion at 1:30pm.