Mark Lauritzen
Born: October 31, 1949 in Princeton, IL
Died: October 24, 2022 in Sterling, IL
Mark Ray Lauritzen, 72, of Sterling, IL went to be with our Lord on October 24th, 2022 after an extended illness. He was surrounded by his loving family and in the hearts of many.
Mark was born October 31, 1949, in Princeton, IL to LaVerne (Bud) and Eileen (Brandenburg) Lauritzen. He grew up in Walnut, IL and graduated from Walnut High School. He attended Sauk Valley Community College, Western Illinois University and Southern Illinois University where he graduated with a degree in business/marketing. Mark worked for Lawrence Brother's in Sterling, IL, from 1981-1998 where he became the VP of Sales & Marketing.
Mark served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war, from 1967-1971, flying reconnaissance missions over Cambodia and Laos. Mark was a member of St. Mary's Church and the American Legion in Sterling. For many years, he was an avid golfer with a sweet swing. Mark loved to socialize and even when he had no voice, he was known as "the man who talks with his computer." He easily be-friended everyone he met with his kindhearted personality and wit. Above all, he was an incredibly proud Papa to his seven grandchildren; Kadence and Kendalyn Rodriguez; Lenox, Rocky and Vyla Lauritzen; Lola and Bowie Lauritzen.
Mark is survived by his three children; sons; Jason (Taylor) of Bloomington, IL, Derek (Ashley) of Lisle, IL; daughter, Miranda (Skyler) of Sterling, IL. Brothers; Howard (Nancy) Laurin of Reseda, CA; David (Susan) Lauritzen of Wyanet, IL. Sisters; Jean Connors of Bluffton, SC, twin sister, Mary (Gary) Lou of Davenport, FL. Sister-in-law; Linda Lauritzen. Including several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews and friend; Nancy Lauritzen. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Joann Lauritzen; a brother; Darryl (Linda) Lauritzen.
Funeral service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Sterling on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 11AM. Instead of a visitation, there will be a celebration of life at Johnny's Bar & Grill on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 12:30PM-4:00PM. Burial with military rites will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 2:00PM at Walnut Cemetery for close friends and family.
Memorials can be made to the Mark R. Lauritzen Memorial Fund.

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

Published by Sauk Valley News on Oct. 27, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Lauritzen

Sponsored by McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. - Sterling.

11 Entries

Frank Montarelli

April 17, 2025

I served in the U.S. Air Force with Mark. Everyone in our squadron volunteered for, and this is an exact quote, "extremely hazardous flight duty in Southeast Asia." Hazardous it was -- not everyone made it back. Mark and I were on the same aircrew and flew on many missions together. We were best of buddies. We shared a few phone calls once we returned stateside but then lost touch. I remember Mark in his flight suit like it was yesterday, a handsome, joyful young man and wonderful human being. I'm so sorry he's gone. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Marlene Lieberman

September 30, 2024

I was thinking about Mark this evening. I had a feeling that something happened to Mark. I met Mark in Carbondale, he was my next door neighbor when he lived with Patrick. I remember his amazing smile, laughter and his red volkswagon without back seats! In the recent past, Mark was reaching out on occasion to just say hello. I noticed that that stopped. He was so kind. The world has certainly lost a special person. Fondly, Marlene

Alex Hintz

November 2, 2022

Mark was a great person and an even better father. He raised three wonderful children, Jason, Derek and Miranda. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. He's in heaven now watching down. One day Mark we will all be with you again. Until then...

Steven E Hess

November 1, 2022

He was such a nice man, always asked how my daughter was doing when we shared a drink at the Legion, may you rest with peace.

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Jerry Wallace

October 31, 2022

Mark, you will be missed by so many. You were a friend to every person you met. I feel blessed that I was a classmate and friend. God bless you, sir.

Vickie Hansen

October 28, 2022

Condolences to Mark's family I worked at Lawrence brothers with him

denny johnson

October 28, 2022

Walnut grade school is where i first met Mark playing baseball and basketball, great memories always a pleasure to see him at Johnnie's

Sue McElhiney

October 28, 2022

So many great memories of Mark! He was a wonderful man Helped me so much in my Lawrence Brothers Career. You will be missed! Always a joy. Fesses about this but knowing Mark he would not want this. Rest In Peace dear friend. Sue McElhiney

Steve Habben

October 27, 2022

Great person Great friend I knew him for over 50 years

Pamela K Miller

October 26, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I remember Mark at the golf course. Always so friendly to everyone.

Mark G. Hondley

October 26, 2022

A great man to have conversations with,I will miss him.

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