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Mark Willis Obituary

Mark Willis
Died: April 6, 2024 in Ludington, MI
Mark T. Willis, 75, of Ludington, Michigan and Anna Maria Island, Florida, (formerly of Naperville, Illinois) passed away on Saturday April 6, 2024. He was born on September 11, 1948, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Jack B. and Helen (Hull) Willis. Mark was a distinguished individual who excelled in various aspects of his life. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1967 and went on to earn a B.S. from Iowa Wesleyan University. On July 5, 1975, Mark married the love of his life, Sandy (Danca) Willis. Mark had a successful career spanning different fields. He played in the Canadian Football League and briefly for the Chicago Bears. Additionally, he dedicated 38 years of his life to AIG American International Group, where he was named Chairman. Mark served on many boards and was named the industries "Man of the Year" in 2018, a scholarship was established at Illinois State University in his name, "The Mark Willis Leadership Scholarship" for business majors. In 2018, he was inducted into the "IWU Athletic Hall of Fame." A new Willis Wrestling and Football Athletic Center was built in his honor.
Outside of his professional life, Mark found joy in various hobbies. He cherished spending time with his family, indulging in hunting, fishing, golf, skiing, weightlifting, and woodworking. His passion for philanthropic projects was evident across the country and in his community. At the age of 14, Mark became an Eagle Scout and would lead all his sons to Eagle Rank and served for many years on the Board of Boys Scouts of America. His pet charity through AIG was hosting the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Ski Challenge each year in Stowe, VT. Proceeds from this event would continue supporting wounded warriors throughout their life and Mark found great solace knowing the impact this had on our Veterans.
Mark was active at Mason County Reformed Church. He will be remembered for his dedication to his work, his love for his family, and his generosity towards others. Mark leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and a passion for life that will be cherished by all who knew him.
Mark is survived by his wife, Sandy (Danca) Willis; sons, Mark B. (Jeanne) Willis and Scott (Catherine) Willis; daughter, Heather (Jordan) Blanche; grandchildren, Reese, Brooke, Jack, Wyatt, and Emmaline; sisters, Terry Sambor, Becky (Dr. J) Rosenberger, and Tammy (Curt) Getting; and brothers, Col. Colen (Carla) Willis and Scott (Lauralee) Willis.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Helen Willis.
A funeral service will be on Friday, April 12, at 11:30am at Mason County Reformed Church in Scottville. Visitation will be held from 9:30am-11:30am at the church.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 11am - 3pm at Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation (14N322 IL-25, Dundee IL 60118).
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a charity close to your heart in Mark's honor.
Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by My Web Times on Apr. 11, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Willis

Sponsored by Grace Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

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4 Entries

Deborah Bauman

April 15, 2024

Colin and Scott prayers for your family.

Kayla Kossow Page

April 11, 2024

Thoughts and prayers for the family of Mark Willis~~
Kayla Kossow Page

Tom Sawyer

April 10, 2024

Mark Your real reward is about to presented to you by God Almighty. You were AIG´s most loyal warrior. Many people including me learned much from you. Well done and may God touch your family with a Peace of knowing Jesus Christ well.

Eileen Hess

April 10, 2024

Mark was an incredible leader and a wonderful boss during my time at AIG. My thoughts go out to his family in this difficult time. He was a truly impressive person and a great human.

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Make a Donation
in Mark Willis's name

Memorial Events
for Mark Willis

Apr

12

Visitation

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Mason County Reformed Church

Scottville, MI

Apr

12

Funeral service

11:30 a.m.

Mason County Reformed Church

Scottville, MI

Apr

14

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation

14N322 IL-25, Dundee, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Grace Funeral Home & Cremation Services

3060 W. US Highway 10, Ludington, MI 49431

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