Mark B. Hunner

Mark was born on February 20, 1941, to John Clark Hunner and Margaret Bradbury Hunner in Duluth, Minnesota. He shared a wonderful childhood with his brother, John B. Hunner and sister, Mary H. Robinson. He loved the outdoors and inventing activities with the many neighborhood kids, surrounded by beautiful lakes, streams and forests. He married the love of his life, Sally Wallace Hunner in 1963 and from then on they were never far apart.
He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University in 1964. After graduation, Mark served as a Lieutenant in the Army Combat Engineers of the 4th Infantry Division. During this time he learned valuable life skills in leadership, public speaking and working through other people.
Mark and Sally then moved to Northbrook, Illinois where they were blessed with three wonderful children: Craig, Alison and Brad, as well as their spouses Marion and Nigel and two beautiful grandchildren Carrie and Patrick. Mark loved being with his family whether they were camping, traveling or just hanging out together. He was so proud of each one of them!
Most of Mark's professional career was with The Brickman Group, Ltd., landscape architects and contractors. Mark always felt fortunate to work with many creative individuals on a wide range of exciting projects from residential communities to corporate campuses. He took pride in helping to design and build inspirational environments that people could live, work and play in. Near the end of his career, he was elected as a Fellow in the American Society of Landscape Architects.
In retirement, Mark and Sally enjoyed life at the vacation cottage they built in Northeast Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Michigan, as well as extensive travels near and far in order to experience the beauty and cultures of this glorious world. They traveled to central Louisiana for 15 years to help build homes through Habitat for Humanity. Their journey, through the Episcopal Church, led them to start a PFLAG (Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) chapter and to actively support Painting Pathways Clubhouse (to support recovery of adults diagnosed with mental illness).
Mark was always happiest when outdoors and cherished time working their 55-acre tree farm, converting it from a plantation of pine and cedar back to a diverse native forest, which was true to his lifetime love of native trees. In 2020, he and Sally deeded this property to Glacial Lakes Conservancy in order for it to be enjoyed by all in perpetuity. Mark loved their church communities and served as Warden at both St. James the Less Episcopal Church in Northfield, Illinois and St. James in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Mark died peacefully at home on March 11, 2024, surrounded by the love he felt from his family and friends. He will be missed but will live on in our happy memories.
A celebration of Mark's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at St. James Episcopal Church, 434 North 8th Street, Manitowoc, WI. Officiating at the service will be The Rev. Brian Staude. Following the service, a luncheon for family and friends will be served. The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at the church.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the Hunner family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, especially Stephanie Luisier, Kellie Wiensch and Rachel Kummer for their compassionate care. The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memorials suggested for Painting Pathways Clubhouse.
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