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Mark Nerad Obituary
Died: May 26, 2011
Mark J. Nerad, 52, passed away May 26, 2011, at home surrounded by his family.
Mark fought a valiant 10-year battle with liposarcoma, but did not let this disease keep him from living his life to the fullest.
Mark began his career as an auto mechanic, eventually owning his own auto repair shop. He finished his career as an automotive instructor at a technical college.
Mark was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing and backpacking. His love of automobiles led to his restoring several vintage British cars. He also enjoyed restoring vintage pinball games and jukeboxes.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Otto J. Nerad and Dorothy A. Nerad.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Deborah (Fridley) Nerad; and his four children of whom he was very proud, Alexander, Christopher, Rachel and Emilie. He is also survived by his siblings, Denise (Charles) Romeo, Peter (Linda) Nerad and Lisa (Roger) Davis; as well as eight nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 4, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1753 South Blanchard St., Wheaton. From 10 to 11 am. there will be time to talk with the family and to share some light refreshments. At 11 a.m., there will be a celebration of Mark's life in the sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative at sarcomahelp.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Nerad
Joe Sitta
August 24, 2024
Deepest Sympathy . We were good friends when I lived in Wheaton
June 6, 2011
Mrs. Nerad, Chris, Alex, Rachel and Emilie,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss; God is with each of you, And I'm praying for your comfort at this difficult time.
Ellyn Theis
June 6, 2011
Dear Debbie and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Mark. We'll always remember his great smile and think of him as being such a wonderful father, as we remember how much fun we had with your family. May God bless you, Debbie, and the kids.
Jeri and Bob Wollenzien
Gail Hinterlong
June 5, 2011
Dear Debbie and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. We remember when Mark was first diagnosed and what a great attitude he had even as he faced adversity. We loved his positive spirit and his contagious smile....Our sympathy to all of you. Keep those treasured memories close and we pray they will give you comfort in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Jack, Gail, Kate, and Jessica
Hinterlong
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Claudia Gerwin
June 3, 2011
Dear Debbie and family - we are praying for God's grace and comfort to you. He has promised that He will be with us through the valley and His promises are sure.
Sean O'Connor
June 2, 2011
On behalf of the O'Connor Family, I would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Mark Nerad during this difficult time. We are keeping you and yours in our prayers. God bless Mark, his family, and friends. Truly sorry for your loss.
- The O'Connor Family
June 2, 2011
Mark was simply anazing in many ways. He was always positive. I am sorry that I cannot make the service because I am out of town. God Bless Mark's family - especially to Deb - Alex, Rachel , Emile and Chris. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Tom Van Cleave
Quin Vahldick
June 2, 2011
Mr. Nerad was a good, courageous, and caring man, that will be missed by all he touched. I am proud to have known and worked with a man of his character and values. Godspeed, my friend.
Thomas Lytle
June 2, 2011
Mr Nerad was an amazing instructor and a great man he really helped me alot while was i there he allways was there for you to talk about anything he will be missed my heart goes out to his family i am so very sorry for your loss Mr nerad was a great person.
June 2, 2011
Wow Mr Nerad was an amazing instructor and a great man he really helped me alot while was i there he allways was there for you to talk about anything he will be missed my heart goes out to his family i am so very sorry for your loss Mr nerad was a great person.
Rich Ford
June 2, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Nerad's family. Mr. Nerad was my first teacher at UTI. It is because of him I graduated with a NHS nomination and have become a professional technician. He instilled an attitude in my head that you always put everything you have into what you do. R.I.P. Mr. Nerad you will not be forgotten and your legacy will live on forever in everyone you have taught.
Greg Pasko
June 2, 2011
We lost a great man. I didn't have Mr. Nerad as a teacher, but he was a great man, and will be greatly remembered by all of us that he has influenced. Rest in peace Mr. Nerad.
Lewis Fair
June 1, 2011
I cant believe Mr.Nerad is gone...He was my 1st instructor at UTI...ill never for get how he had a tally for PMO and how he compared the price of everything to how many beers he could buy...he would take his time out to help anyone at anytime..i wish he never had to go but hes in a better place now..i will always remember you Mr.Nerad....
Mike Archam
June 1, 2011
Mr. Nerad was a great man, I had him as an instructor, a friend, and a comedian. There are not enough words to describe the kind of man he was. Although he will be missed he is in a better place. My heart goes out to all family and friends.
Kristine Bowers
June 1, 2011
Mr.Nerad was also an instructor of mine at UTI. I was the only female in the class, and our entire female population was less than 1% of our total population. Mr. Nerad was motivating and inspiring, and his title for me became "overachiever"... I can't describe the smile that put on my face every day.. And when he was sick, he didn't wear it on his sleeve. He was just as optimistic and energetic, and it was contagious. When I'd smash my knuckles working on my motor and slip a cuss word under my breath, he'd say,"Ms.Bowers, soft people don't use language like that...people look up to you." And I was always mindful of that. His legacy lives on inside each one of the thousands of lives he touched and I will forever remember him with heartfelt smiles and lessons he taught each of us...not just about engines, but about quality of life.
This was taken at school the day before graduation.
Christopher McCanse
June 1, 2011
I was a student at UTI and graduated in March 2011. Mr. Nerad was a great instructor. He was very passionate about teaching. He always had a smile on his face and always willing to help a student. He will be missed.
Dustin Bitikofer
June 1, 2011
I was a student at Universal Technical Institute, graduating in October, 2010. I didn't have Mr. Nerad as an instructor, but I saw him quite frequently and could tell that he loved his work, loved his students, and loved cars. Seeing his enthusiasm was truly a highlight of my time at UTI.
Sharon Harwick
May 31, 2011
Debbie
My Heartfelt Condolences to you and your family.
Sharon Harwick
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