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Mark Fransen Obituary
Born: August 21, 1954; in Mendota, IL
Died: March 28, 2019; in Big Rock, IL
Mark D. Fransen, 64 of Big Rock passed away March 28, 2019 in his home.
Graveside services will be Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., at Troy Grove Cemetery, Troy Grove. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling arrangements.
Mark was born August 21, 1954 in Mendota to Logan and Cecil (Carney) Fransen. Mark was a graduate of Mendota High School in 1972. He owned Mark Fransen Stables in Big Rock. He took out his trainers license in 1972 and trained the winners of over 700 races and of $7 million in purses. He was inducted into the Illinois Harness Horseman's Association Hall of Fame in 2007. He trained two horses which were inducted into the IHHA Hall of Fame: Plum Peachy (1995) and Broadway Preview (2001). Plum Peachy also earned honors as 1990 Illinois Horse of the Year. He trained the winners of nine Super Night races in Chicago and four winners of the prestigious Maywood Pace. He trained Illinois State Fair champions Buck and Wing and Skipalong Misty. He trained horses which set track records at Sportsman's Park, Maywood Park, Balmoral Park, Quad City Downs and the Illinois State Fair. Mark was known to racing fans across the state for his versatility as a trainer. His multi-faceted skill set enabled him to excel with colts and fillies, trotters and pacers, and both stakes colts and older horses.
He is survived by his daugher Melanie Fransen of Midway, KY; his sister Sandy (Stephen) Arkels of Princeton and his brother Terry (Ellen) Fransen of Utica.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Gary and his sister Judy.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family at Resource Bank in Mark's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Fransen
Sponsored by Horner-Merritt Funeral Home.
Jeffrey Stilson
September 4, 2025
sorry for lost mark was a very very nice man and ex boss he was good to work for so sorry agian
April 9, 2019
I am very sorry for your loss. Please allow the fondest memories shared with your loved one to be a soothing blanket over your heart. May God words of promise found in John 6:40 brings you consolation and a small measure of peace. Please accept my sincere regards and heartfelt condolences. ~MM~
Christine Steht
April 8, 2019
Ive know mark for many years but only started to chat over coffee over the last year or so. Mark always joked with me and we both shared many stories about growing up and each of our families when they were young.
Ill miss you and your laughter my friend, God bless!
Georgia Logan
April 5, 2019
Mark was a wonderful friend to my parents, Donna & Jay Ingram for many years. He trained many of their horses. I too got to know Mark, as he graciously let me adopt Weekend Update, who he owned jointly with my mom. She is the most wonderful horse, and I have enjoyed corresponding with him and sending photos of her to him. He was a gentle, loving person and I will really miss him.
Marc Anderson
April 3, 2019
Nice guy and a good horse trainer. I will miss seeing you at the track. RIP.
Terry Medine
April 3, 2019
Had many a great time playing golf with Mark and my friends....many a summer of laughs and fun....he will be missed
Marilyn Blair
April 2, 2019
Dear Melanie, We are so sad to hear of your dad's passing. Our families had wonderful times together on Ponderosa and treasure so many good memories. Mark has a very special place in our hearts. May God bring you peace and comfort. The Blair Family
MIKE & LORRI DUGAN
April 2, 2019
MARK WAS A GOOD FRIEND & CUSTOMER FOR OVER 26 YEARS AND WILL BE MISSED GREATLY.
Beth & Brad Forsyth
April 1, 2019
Our thoughts are with Melanie and family- May you embrace all the great memories with his great smile and laugh. Always had a story to share! Beth & Brad Forsyth
Cindy Lackey
April 1, 2019
Spent every day of week having breakfast with Mark . Loved his stories of sports,horses and his travels of the world delivering horses to many parts of the world. Greatest time was when I was able to give an answer to his crossword puzzles even though I was a blonde. Our mornings are not the same without you. Bet you are able to find those dickies {turtlenecks}now! Rest in the arms of God my friend.
Phil Langley
April 1, 2019
Mark was one of the bright lights in harness racing for about forty years. He was not only a champion trainer but also someone who made you feel good whenever he appeared. During his many years it was always a treat when he stopped by my office on a regular basis. Thanks, Mark, for making life an uplifting time.
Robin Lawson
March 31, 2019
The entire Illinois Standard bred Industry has undoubtedly suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Mark Fransen. Always a gentleman with a "happy go lucky" smile, huge eyes, and that distinctive "belly laugh," Mark rose from the cheap claimer ranks, and ascended to the pinnacle of his profession, with horses such as Plum Peachy and Peppers Skipper. However, I will always associate Mark with "Rusty's Iron Jet," the tough, little Ironworks colt who started it all.
I am proud to have had a friendship with Mark which began at the now defunct "Aurora Downs," and spanned many years thereafter. He never failed to tell me how my father enlightened him on the genetics of horse breeding, and just how the standard bred breed would evolve over time through genetics and "inbreeding."
Both my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Melanie, Lorna, and the entire Fransen family.
Rest in Peace good friend.
Robin and Katie Lawson
Elburn, Illinois / Florida
Ed and Elaine Williams
March 31, 2019
So very sad he was a good neighbor and much to young to have passed. Prayers to his family and friends Ed and Elaine Williams neighbors down the street.
Marty Mia
March 31, 2019
Can only imagine you in Heaven...Spread your wings and continue to soar... Surrounding your loved ones in prayer...
Gary Metzen
March 31, 2019
What a sad, sad day when I heard of Marks passing. Great friend of mine since middle school,his knowledge of his profession was unsurpassed and oh the stories he could tell. RIP my friend.
Joe & Jace Wisniewski
March 31, 2019
Whenever we saw him he had a big smile and lots of stories. We will miss him!
Phil Morel
March 31, 2019
he will be truly missed may he rest in peace in the arms of god
Russ Squires sr
March 31, 2019
Rip
Wayne Plowman
March 30, 2019
You will be missed Mark. Miss that smile of yours and your friendship. RIP
Andrea Baker
March 30, 2019
We're so sad to hear of Mark's passing. He was a great neighbor and always had a smile and a wave. Rest In Peace.
David Stachura
March 30, 2019
RIP my friend! Youll be missed!
Jeff Eckburg
March 30, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. We owned a horse named HR Sosa who used to battle against Mark's horse, Andy's Golden Boy. When they were head to head, we never won. Not once! I was a young horse owner and Mark was always so kind to my wife and small kids. I would secretly think that tonight's the night we win...but we never did. Sadly, Andy's Golden Boy died a short time later. When I think of the great horseman of Illinois harness racing, Mark will be at the top of the list...such a kind competitor and so very talented. My prayers are with your family.
Angie Affrunti
March 30, 2019
Rest in peace Mark you were always a good guy Always went above and beyond for everybody and always trying to steer me in the right direction.
Bob and Patty VanDyk
March 30, 2019
Mark was a great neighbor and all around good guy! He will be greatly missed by all!!
Jim and Judy Ferguson
March 30, 2019
Mark always had a smile on his face and loved to tease. RaceJid with him in the Chicago area for years. He is gone way too soon.
Mrs Leroy Fox
March 30, 2019
He will be missed, he was a great guy! So very sorry for your loss!
Marge Tinsley
March 30, 2019
Sincere sympathy to family and friends from Mrs. John Tinsley (Marge) and family.
Jim and Angie Webber
March 30, 2019
Mark was a dear friend of ours and so sad to hear if his passing. The fair grounds won't be the same. Our deepest sympathy to you.
Robin (Weber, Rohdy) Pardus
March 30, 2019
Remember Mark well at Quad City Downs. You all are in my Thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness.
Don White
March 30, 2019
What sadness I have today in learning about marks passing. Friends for 40 years we raced horses together, golfed together, went to horse parties together, and were just great friends. A sad day indeed. Don White
Linda Walzer
March 30, 2019
What a tremendous loss for all that knew him ! If you were lucky enough to know him, you were lucky enough . Mark had the best laugh, one you wouldnt forget. Old child hood friends from Troy Grove are the best ! Rest In Peace Mark.
Brett Michael
March 30, 2019
I was friends with Mark for many years. I remember when he and Lorna first came to Aurora Downs. What a gentle guy. Rest in peace my friend
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