Mr. Mark R. Laake

Mr. Mark R. Laake, 62, of Galesburg passed away at 11:33 pm Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.

Mark was born January 3, 1959, in Davenport, Iowa the son of Robert Henry and Barbara Elizabeth (Berry) Laake. He married Rhonda M. Howerton on December 30, 1998, in Galesburg. They later divorced and remained friends throughout the years.

Mark is survived by his children, Nathan J. Laake and Dawn (Dusty) Hutchison both of Galesburg; his two brothers, Jerry (Karen) Laake of Davenport and John (Linda) Laake of Bettendorf, Iowa; his two sisters, Mary E. (Bob) Engle of Waxahachie, Texas and Patricia V. Siefert of Davenport; his three grandchildren, Callista, Anissa and Gemma Hutchison; his great granddaughter, Zoe Shores and many nieces and nephews that were greatly loved by him. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Matt.

Mark had worked for Tucker Printing as a film stripper for many years before becoming visually impaired. He was of the Catholic faith and later attended the First Church of the Nazarene.

Mark was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan and Formula One racing fan of Mario Andretti. Before the loss of his vision, he enjoyed cooking, baking and watching the Food Network. Many friends described Mark as having a fun personality and being a goof-off even when it would get him trouble.

Mark’s wishes were to be cremated with a Celebration of his Life at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Mark R. Laake Memorial Fund c/o MidWest Bank of Western Illinois to offset funeral costs. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com

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