Mark David Wender

1956 - 2022

Mark David Wender, 66, passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer on the 28th of December 2022 surrounded by his loved ones.

Mark, a lifelong Memphian, was born on April 21, 1956 to Razelle (Margolin) and Stanley Wender. His life was defined by his deep commitment to family, public service, community, Jewish life, and all things Memphis.

Mark graduated from Boston University, where he met the love of his life, Sally Klein. Together they built a life filled with love and warmth that only grew brighter with the birth of their three children.

Mark's passion, dedication, and intelligence were the hallmark of his expansive career. Mark began his career at his family's business, National Mortgage Company, where he served as COO.

He then founded his own video production company, Lunar Productions. He brought his business background and love of community to the non-profit world. As CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, he spearheaded the construction of a new high school building. During his tenure, Mark was instrumental in ensuring a 100% college acceptance rate.

His final position was as COO at Jewish Community Partners, where he led the effort to create a Hillel at Rhodes College. Mark worked with the FBI to increase security awareness at all local Jewish institutions.

Mark was a pillar of the Memphis Jewish community. He had a deep love of Judaism and Baron Hirsch Congregation, where he was a lifelong member and past president and long-term board member. Mark served on the board of the Memphis Jewish Home, the Memphis Jewish Federation, the Center for Southern Folklore, and Freedom Prep Academy.

Mark's passions extended to an eclectic taste of music, following the Grizzlies and Tigers, southern "wrasslin," and cooking. Mark was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was the happiest when surrounded by family and friends. He treasured his relationship with his nieces and nephews and extended family. Being Poppy to his grandchildren was a highlight of his life.

He is survived by his adoring and adored wife Sally, his children, Brian (Jessica) Wender, Rebecca (Joshua) Chubak, and Kevin (Susie) Wender; his beloved parents, Razelle and Stanley Wender; his siblings Jill (Paul) Friedman, Elliot (Penina) Wender, and Margo (Todd) Gruen; and his grandchildren Olivia, Jacob, and Henry Chubak, and baby boy Wender.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Baron Hirsch Congregation, Jewish Community Partners of Memphis, Soulsville, the Memphis Jewish Home, or an organization of your choice.