Mark Raeder

Chicago Mark , Ill. - Raeder Mark Raeder, 45, beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away suddenly on March 25th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and love that touched everyone who knew him. Mark was a man of extraordinary character and talents-gentle, generous, thoughtful, intellectually gifted, an outstanding athlete and full of compassion. He made the world a better place, and his absence will be felt profoundly by all who knew and loved him.

Mark was the loving husband of Lauren Mistretta, who he adored and who loved him with her whole heart. Mark and Lauren were lucky enough to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary in October in Greece, enjoying a celebration of a lifetime.

He was born into a close-knit family where he was the cherished son of Stephen and Teresa Raeder and devoted brother to Elizabeth Raeder Freeland and Stephen Raeder II. He was also the proud uncle to his niece and nephew, Liam and Taylor Raeder, who he traveled with often.

He was truly beloved to the family he married into. His in-laws John and Judy Mistretta, his sisters-in-law, Rachel Mistretta and Jennie Frampton, his brother-in-law Will Frampton and his nephew and nieces Curt, Lola and Marlo Frampton. He brought joy, fun, light and laughter into every moment spent together.

Mark graduated from Washington and Lee University with a degree in computer science. He was a Principal and Co-Founder at Summit Ridge Energy, an entity he helped build into the nation's largest commercial solar company, where he thrived. He was deeply committed to sustainability and to building a better world for the future.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mark will be remembered most for who he was: a man whose empathy and warmth made people feel truly seen and valued. His absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, in the lives he enriched and in the tangible achievements he left behind.

A private service will be held for family and friends at Georgetown Prep Chapel on Wednesday, April 2nd at 11 am with a Reception to follow at Congressional Country Club.