Mark Timothy Meyer

Mark Timothy Meyer led a colorful and intense life. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm and warm demeanor. He was kindhearted, gentle, and organized in what he sought to accomplish. Mark was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in those around him. He sought harmony and peace.

Mark was born on January 16, 1950 at the St. Theresa Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois. His parents were Jeanne & Henry Meyer. Mark was raised on Burgess Farm. When he was young, Mark's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Mark demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability, and was a natural entertainer and storyteller.

Mark grew up with two siblings. He had an older brother Philip, a younger brother Brian (deceased), and a sister Dawn (deceased at 2 days old). Mark was involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get in the middle of too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, and made him the peacekeeper of the family. Mark carried these traits into his adult life, which served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him fun and delightful to be around. Mark was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making and maintaining powerful connections with those he knew.

As a young boy, Mark was imaginative, ingenious, clever, and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Mark could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in wrestling, track, and football. He was a hard worker on the farm. In his spare time he liked comic books and fishing. Mark's memorable achievements included much of the work he had done on the farm. However, to Mark, the most fun to be had was simply spending time with his many friends.

During his high school years, Mark had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He was constantly offering his support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which he participated. He graduated from Salem Central High in 1968. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. In this way, Mark had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Mark was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Mark as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner. The teachers he enjoyed learning from the most were Mrs. Vassler and Dorm Grams. He was the MVP in Football and Track. He also participated in Pep Club, Drama Club, the School Paper, C-Club, Letterman Club, Homecoming Court, and Forensics-Debating.

Mark did well in college, as a result of his being intuitive and finely organized. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History. His favorite course was English, and his favorite professor was Dr. Bill Miller. He attended Lakeland Jr. College, but graduated from Carthage College. The skill of being a good communicator helped Mark immensely during his college days. He was comfortable with abstract ideas and theories and tended to thrive on the subjects that forced him to think. No matter what class it was, Mark was always highly perceptive and embraced the mental challenges that his college experience provided.

Always considered a good friend, Mark sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason, Mark always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Mark’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and amiable in his dealings with others. Mark would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. Mark was seen as the type of person who was a gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Mike Wagner, Jim Eppers, Mike Tremonte, Todd Sanchez, and Don Ellingson. Later in life, he became friends with Gary Epping, Kathy Kofoed, Lisa Madden, and Julie Eridesen.

Mark’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was accepting of others translated to being a good father to his child, especially later in life. Mark shared these values with his one child, Amanda Meyer. Mark related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him, and he was devoted to them.

Mark experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was in high tech software sales. Mark always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Mark took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Mark was one to take the initiative, and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Mark continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

Because he was organized and methodical, Mark took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were riding his custom hog, working out, and writing. Mark enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Mark derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Mark delighted in the strategy and inner workings of competition. In high school, Mark was involved in wrestling, track, and football. In his college years, Mark continued to stay active by playing football. His recreational sports included working out. Mark was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. The top on his list was football (Go Packers!).

Throughout his life, Mark was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Mark was known to his peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called upon, Mark was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting his own needs aside. Mark’s involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Mark’s ability to bring valued principles along with him. Throughout his later years, Mark was an active member of The Knuckleheads.

Mark was well known to others for his ability to naturally and conscientiously move to action to help others, a quality that placed him as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, he was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected people, and upheld his personal values. He served on numerous committees at Silverlake Community Baptist Church.

Though he did not often do things solely for individual recognition, Mark was given accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. If the truth were known, Mark was always a little uncomfortable with being singled out for recognition. One of his most prestigious accomplishments was his inclusion in The President's Club.

Mark enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Mark were always enjoyable. His favorite getaway was taking motorcycle trips.

Mark was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Mark's favorites was Jackson, a Jack Russell.

When Mark’s retirement finally came in December 1, 2013, he was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that he was, Mark had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Mark knew exactly what he wanted to do. His new life involved relocating to a cabin on Canyon Lake in Texas to be closer to his daughter. In retirement, he found new pleasure in riding his motorcycle and spending time with loved ones. Even in retirement, Mark continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new ones too. His most recent trip to visit loved ones past and present was a fond memory for him.

Mark passed away on February 22, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas of an enlarged heart. He is survived by his daughter Amanda, his brother Philip, and his nieces Pamela and Megan. Services will be held at his cabin on Canyon Lake. Mark’s ashes will be spread near his cabin.

Throughout his life, Mark was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender-hearted, and fun to be around. Mark leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Mark Timothy Meyer.