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MARK WORDEN Obituary
Born Sept. 7, 1954, in Rockford, to George and Dorothy (Edwards) Worden, and raised in Kirkland, he graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1972, where he was president of his class all four years. He then attended the University of Illinois, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
He worked as a mechanical engineer for 15 years at Barber-Coleman in Rockford and for 20 years at Siemens in Buffalo Grove. Mark married Joanne Elizabeth Earl on Oct. 20, 1990, in Rockford.
Mark was an NHRA championship drag racer for 30 years, from 1980 to 2010. He was also an avid Bears fan and animal lover. He was a true friend to everyone and lived a full life.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne; children, Rebekah (Matt) Werner of Chicago and Katie (Matt) Cecchinelli of Milan, Illinois; siblings, Don (Darlene) Worden of Savanna, Illinois, and Bruce Worden of Wauconda; eight nieces and nephews, 16 great-nieces and -nephews; and a grandbaby expected any day.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial visitation will be held from 1 to 3:45 p.m. Saturday, July 19, with a 4 p.m. memorial service at Olson Funeral Home, Quiram Kirkland Chapel, 309 S. Fifth St., Kirkland.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Red Door Animal Shelter, 2410 E. Lunt Ave., Chicago, IL 60645; Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW), 4 Hance Drive, Charleston, IL 61920; or Bears Care, 1920 Football Dr., Lake Forest, IL 60045.
Arrangements by Olson Funeral and Cremation Services, LTD. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.olsonfh.com or call 815-522-3563.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MARK WORDEN
Sponsored by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Quiram Kirkland Chapel Quiram Kirkland Chapel - Kirkland.
Karalee
July 26, 2014
I'm still in shock about his death....he was just a lovely and kind man....may God wrap his arms around Joanne, his girls and the soon to be grandbaby to keep in all of you in perfect peace....
I will miss my friend Mark.
Jeff Leffelman
July 24, 2014
I am so sad to learn of his sudden passing. We were friends while going to grade school in Kirkland and reconnected while at U of I. I joined TKE because of Mark. We reconnected again on Facebook just last year. This is so shocking to me, but I know he lived a full life. My prayers are with his family. Jeff Leffelman
Kimberly Reiser
July 24, 2014
Mark was a wonderful caring loyal husband Father and friend. I was not able to make his memorial on Saturday due to sickness. We worked together and carpooled at Siemens and remained in contact after I left. I'm certain friends and family only had the very best to say about him. He was the kind man who wasnt afraid to be himself. I know he was looking forward to his family expansion as Grandpa and will watch over everyone with pride. May his wisdom adventure and ability to enjoy life be passed on. All my best to his girls and Joanne for the handprint he left on so many hearts
Mike Tritle
July 16, 2014
My thoughts, prayers and best wishes for comfort go out to the entire Worden family. So many of you have been such a blessing to me and I pray you all find comfort as you go through these hard times. God Bess
Stan & Wendy Mayfield
July 4, 2014
We are so shocked, We are proud to have been a good friend of Mark. He was such a great supporter and gave us great insparation.
Marla McWilliams
July 3, 2014
My thought and prayers are with you. Mark was a great co-worker and a good guy. He will be sorely missed by many. Keep his memory in your heart as that will help you heal in time. May God bless you through this hard time. Keep the faith.
Jackie DiNatale
July 2, 2014
Joanne & family, our thoughts and hearts are with you. Much love and many hugs. Jackie & Frank DiNatale
Beverly Billy
June 30, 2014
Dear Joanne,
My prayers are with you. May God heal your heart and comfort you during this difficult time and always.
Love, Bev Billy
Michelle Tourje
June 30, 2014
Joanne
I am so sorry to hear about Mark. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family..
Michelle Tourje
Brian and Nancy Chambers
June 28, 2014
I am saddened to hear the news of your loss but will cherish the memories growing up with Mark in Kirkland. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Debbie Waugh
June 27, 2014
SO sorry to hear about Mark. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Julie
June 27, 2014
Becky and Katie- my love and hugs to you both. Sorry for the loss of your dad. Prayers you are surrounded with God's gracious love and healing during this sad time.
John Seisser
June 27, 2014
Many years ago Mark helped me with a race car I was building. He was a very caring and thoughtful Man. He will be missed as he is welcomed into the Lords arms. God Bless his family.
June 26, 2014
I haven't seen Mark in several years, and I graduated in l971 from Hiawatha, a year before him. However, I remember him from school very well What an outstanding guy he was in so many ways...very charismatic and loved people. I'm so sorry for his family...he is obviously a very much loved guy who will be missed so much. Prayers for healing for you all... Joy (Myelle) Muranaka.
Dan and Catie Barron
June 26, 2014
Although I only had a few chances to spend time with Mark, he always made us feel like we had known him forever. He was such a special person and we are better for knowing him. Our prayers remain with Joanne and his family!
June 26, 2014
Mark was a great guy & loved by all who knew & worked with him this is such a tragic loss to all.
Steve & Donna Hamilton
Tammy Sreniawski
June 26, 2014
Mark's sudden death has saddened those who have worked with him and have known his friendship.
Bill Pratt
June 25, 2014
A really terrific guy who was a joy to be around. So sorry for his family and other friends.
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Memorial Events
for MARK WORDEN
Jul
19
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Quiram Kirkland Chapel309 South Fifth Street, Kirkland, IL 60146
Jul
19
Memorial service
4:00 p.m.
Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Quiram Kirkland Chapel309 South Fifth Street, Kirkland, IL 60146
Funeral services provided by:
Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Quiram Kirkland Chapel309 South Fifth Street, Kirkland, IL 60146
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