Mark B. McLeRoy

Mark B. McLeRoy 1926—2016
Mark B. McLeRoy, 90, of Freeport, died Monday, November 28, 2016, at Freeport Memorial Hospital, after a brief illness. He was born September 10, 1926, in Freeport to Mark and Harriet (Clarke) McLeRoy. He married Shirley Pohl on April 30, 1954, in Freeport. Mark was a member of Park Hills Evangelical Free Church of Freeport. Mark's working career included the Freeport Journal-Standard, the Henney Motor Company and Burgess Cellulose. His political career began in 1961, when he was first elected as an Alderman to the Freeport City Council. He served the most consecutive terms as the Mayor of Freeport, from 1969 until 1989, and was known for his sense of humor and his open door policy when it came to meeting with residents. He later served on the Stephenson County Board and was a member of the United Council of Counties Board. He served as Treasurer on the Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust Executive Committee. In 1983, he was invited to the White House by then President Ronald Reagan. He was one of 3 individuals who organized Freeport Little League baseball in 1951, and coached from 1952 thru 1964. Mark was awarded the thirty-third degree for outstanding service to the Scottish Rite Freemasonry and significant contribution to humanity. He volunteered on many local and state boards and committees spanning from the mid 1960's until 2015. Mark loved his family and sought to lead an exemplary life, serving God and his community. His whole life involved helping and serving others. His Christian faith played an important role throughout his life. Mark is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley; daughters, Sue (Jeff) Hartman and Patti (Steve) Rhode; granddaughters, Lauren (Nate) Simonton, Emily Rhode; grandson, Mark Rhode; great-granddaughter, Gianna Simonton; sister, Josephine Zimmerman; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters, Ada Harlacher, Dorothy Hartman, Dot Julian and brother, Dr. Thomas McLeRoy.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Park Hills Evangelical Free Church, 2525 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL, with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Please sign Mark's guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.