Funeral Details

Where do I begin. The endless Shabbat Friday night dinners that Mark and Judy would host. Playing basketball with Mark at BG Fitness center, flag football, softball, etc. Mark was the ultimate competitor.
Seeing Mark at Emmerich for BGRA games, even when some of the games Josh or Seth wouldn’t be playing but I would see him there. Making a quick run to “The Jewels” with him, watching Game shows, sporting events, and Curb your enthusiasm on TV at their house. Endless memories. May he Rest In Peace, and I give the entire family my condolences.

Steven Gunn

I’m sorry for your loss -

Rocky Quiroga

We were very saddened to hear of our dear friend's passing. We met about 20 years ago on rosh Hashanah in the synagogue on Aptacisic Rd. Josh and Seth and our sons Joshua and Jeremy were playing in the children playroom while services were going on, and Judy asked Jeremy who his mother is. Judy and Mark introduced themselves to us at the Brocha and they invited us to dinner that evening. The rest is history. We became good friends ever since, and we will miss Mark dearly.
Alena a Micah

Alena and Micah Kamin

Dear Judith, Josh , Seth and family,
We are so sorry for you loss.. May Mark’s memory be for a blessing. We will remember his smile and what a “mensch” he was. G-d bless you all.
With great fondness,
Bruce and Donna Zimmerman

Donna and Bruce Zimmerman

Dear Katz family, we are very saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept our sincerest condolences.

Boris and Svetlana Raskin
October 27, 2023

Boris Raskin

The passing of Mark just breaks my heart. It's hard to come up with the right words to say. He always had a smile on his face and was a pleasure to be around. I will definitely miss him. My heart goes out to Judith and her family.

Karen Hechtman

To Mark's Wife and Boys,

Mark was a great man! Think of him fondly and I will miss him!
Had great fun, battles every Sunday Night at Floor Hockey!
He was a great player and competitor and we had many talks before during and afterwards.

So sorry for you loss!

Warmest Regards,
Marc, Bari and Josh Levin

Marc, Bari and Josh Levin Levin

Picture a cold winter day, mid January. It’s snowing, windy, cold. Anyone with an ounce of sense is inside.

You zoom in on a group of about a dozen teenage boys. They are outside, running in a pack, each seriously questioning the wisdom of his choice of sport. Most are wearing “Maine East Cross Country” beanies and are moving with that herky-jerky, my-arms-and-legs-are-like-broomsticks, motion you adopt to keep from slipping and falling. They are grumbling loudly about the icy conditions.

But one stands out. His beanie is red. Always red. And he’s saying, “Guys! Guys! C’mon, this is easy! No way you’re going to fall!” He moves to the front and starts to put some distance between himself and the pack. With one more triumphant shout of “C’mon guys!” he goes down. He’s OK, but none of the rest of the team notice because they are doubled over laughing. The winter spell is broken and they’re back to having fun; just a group of skinny kids sticking together and pushing themselves to do something most people would never attempt.

That was Mark. Always ready with something to break the tension and remind us that life is fun. Always with a ready smile, with just a touch of the imp. Always gentle, always loving, and fantastically in tune with just what was needed to keep things fun.

I’ll never know if he faked the fall that day. I wouldn’t put it past him. But it doesn’t matter. His sense of humor, his heart of gold, helped me get through those high-stress years when I thought I had to be what everyone expected me to be. I would not have made it without him. I shall miss him dearly.

They say what you do for yourself dies with you, but what you do for others is immortal. Here’s to Mark, my wonderful, immortal, friend.

Paul Baffes

We are all very saddened to hear the loss of Mark
He was a remarkable man. He will be dearly missed by all.
One of my memories of Mark is when Irwin and I along with our 4 young children at the time were visiting Family in Illinois. Judith and Mark generously offered us to stay with them. This is before they .moved to Buffalo Grove and before they had children of their own. Judith was at work when we arrived and Mark greeted us with such warmth . This was the first time we have met Mark and he treated us with such warmth as if we have known each other for years.

Everything time we saw Mark thereafter he always had a beautiful smile and always hugged us with such warmth and love.

To my dearest cousin Judith and to Josh and Seth
I am so sorry for your loss of your husband. /Father.
I wish I had the right words to say during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories that you all shared get you through the difficult days ahead.

With heavy hearts and deep sadness. Our deepest condolences to you and the family .
Love
Susan and Irwin Rotman and family

Irwin and Susan Rotman

Mark I'll miss you You always brought a smile to everyone I am glad I got to see you again.
ALL MY LOVE TO THE KATZ FAMILY
Rhonda Golden ( Denise sister) 💟
Rest in peace

Rhonda Golden

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and very sweet. May his memory be for a blessing.

Melanie and Brian Hoffman

Melanie Hoffman

I am so sorry to hear about Marks passing. I have such great memories of Mark from my younger years. He was such a great guy and always smiling..
My sincere condolences to the whole family..
Love,
Lisa Whitefield

Lisa Whitefield

Mark was such a great softball player.
I loved the constant chatter we had on and off the field.
I will always remember
his competitiveness on the field. He loved to play and his fire inside of him was infectious.
Mark you will be greatly missed.
Peace my friend
Ron Garbett

Ronald Garbett

My brother Mark was an amazing person and I miss him every moment of the day. He was the ultimate family man and set highest standards for his sons to live by. Honesty, integrity and a great Jewish faith. He was also a fantastic athlete. This youtube clip (Below) was the 1979 Illinois State Cross Country Championship for Maine East High school. Mark was the shortest of the group, but had the biggest heart. During the run, you could see him in blue shorts and a red hat. And when they were holding the trophy, he was on the right.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReSdAyfBgZ8


Ira Katz

I was Mark's Cross Country and Track coach at Maine East High School back in the '70's. He was small and slow as a freshman but he was such a hard worker that when he was a senior he finished 27th out of 230 runners in the Illinois State Meet and he helped us to become Team State Champions. We shared several reunions celebrating our championship. Mark would always tell me how during that state meet race, he fell back on our strategy and all of our training to not give up and to keep pushing to the finish. He always regretted that he missed by two places from being an All State Runner, and that there were two transfer students who in any other year would not have been in the race. But of course we could not have won the state meet without his huge contribution since it took all five runners to win the team title. Some of us got to visit with Mark in the last month. It struck me how much running had meant to him throughout his life. . He produced a box of newspaper clippings about all of his races, in high school, college, and as a participant in corporate races for AT&T. He traveled the country running races and gaining accolades. For those teammates and as his coach, we all remember his cheerfulness and playfulness, always lightening the mood and making tough workouts seem fun. Mark was proud of his religion and was a good husband to Judith and father to his sons. A very warm and genuine person. He he will be missed. Rich Sazonoff

Richard Sazonoff

Mark embodied his father's thoughtful concern for all others, especially Jewish others, his mother's sweetness, his brother's grit and zest for life. I was fortunate to know and love them all. Such a strong and sweet man. His loss to his family should be softened by pride in his life.

Marmon Pine

I am writing this on behalf of my parents , Joseph and Inez Samuels. My Dad would often write this acrostic for me when I was young and I wanted to share with you.
For Mark Allen Katz

Mench
Active
Rare
Kind hearted

Awesome
Loving man
Leader
Energetic
Nice man

Knowledgeable
A family man
Terrific person
Zealous for life

We will never forget you Mark. You will be dearly missed by all.
Susan and Irwin Rotman in the style of my loving parents Inez and Joseph Samuels

Joseph and Inez Samuels

A few years ago a group of Maine East cross country runners meet for breakfast and shared old times. I sat by Mark and we talked a little about running but more about family. It touched me as I learned about Marks life as a Husband and Father . He will be missed but never forgotten. Love you Mark.

Jeffrey Mattes

Mark and I were cross country teammates and friends for three years in high school. Throughout the years after high school, I would see Mark occasionally. Each time I saw Mark, regardless of the gap in time from our previous encounter, he was always the same warm, friendly, and comedic person.

In September 2019, I ran a 5K race in Buffalo Grove. The race finish line was about two blocks from Mark's house. When I finished the race, I heard someone call my name. I looked up and I saw Mark, who had decided to watch the race. We instantly began to reminisce about our fond memories of our days as runners at Maine East. I told Mark that I needed to run my after race "cool down." He said "Great, I'll run it with you." Even though he did not have his running attire, he and I ran about two miles together. It was as if the time that had elapsed from 1979 to that day in September 2019 never had occurred. We chatted and laughed for the entire two miles, as we did in high school. After we finished the run, we ended up talking for about another hour and we finally parted ways.

Today the physical world is an emptier place, but spiritually our memories of Mark will make the world a warmer and friendlier place.


Jim Komperda

My deepest condolences to Mark's family and friends...

I had known Mark as early as a new kid on the block meeting Mark in the first grade, all the way thru college. More recently, I had connected to him as a coincidence as he lived next door to my brother and his family in Buffalo Grove

I'll never forget that Mark helped me learn names and be introduced to new classmates as that first grader moving to a new school, and later learning how much of a true "mensch"

I remember him as a terrific athlete, a great sense of humor and always a positive person.

May his memory be an enduring blessing to his family and firends.

Howard Kaufman

Mark was a special guy with a loving nashuma. He was devoted to family and left a legacy to his sons of what it means to be a good man. Being reliable, steadfast, humble, and determined set a standard which will always be a central part of the sons he and Judy raised to fine young men. We will all miss him.

Lois and Arnold Samuels

First of ll, the Swill Family gives our condolences to Judith and her boys, Neal and his family and of course, Ira and his family. Mark was a kind and gentle man. His family adored him. We love the entire Katz clan and will be thinking of you all at this difficult time. You are loved.

Lisa, Kevin, Jaymes and Jonathan Swill

Lisa Swill

It is with great sadness to learn of the passing of Cousin Mark Allen.
My deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
May his memory be a blessing.
With heartfelt love,
Mark Alan Taxy
Alameda, CA

Mark Alan Taxy

I am deeply saddened by Mark's passing .Mark always was a mensch a kind person who was always there for his family Judith ,Seth and Josh. .
NINA DUBMAN

Nina DUBMAN

We were freshman in high school. The cross country coach spent the first few weeks of the school year recruiting freshman for his team. He recruited 50 freshmen in all that season. Mark was one of them. By the end of the season, Mark and about a dozen others survived from not quitting.
Mark joined wrestling after that season and saw some success in that sport. He came back out to join track for the remainder of the year. Mark was on the fence whether to focus in wresting or Cross country/track.
We all persuaded Mark to stay in Cross country/track and thank God we did. There were 7 freshmen remaining from that school year and they were all pretty good. We were told to expect to win a state title with this group.
For the next 3 years Mark with six others and a new Coach , would go through successes and failures. We would share the same goals and dreams together. Mark was probably the most consistent runner of the bunch. When everyone else had bad race , Mark’s performance was spot on.
By our senior year, only 4 of that original group had the potential to
be all-staters and Mark was one them. Without Mark, we would have not won that state team title. That’s how important he was.

He was extremely competitive, compassionate, funny and a joy to be with. Friends forever. What a great life he had.
Mark , we’ll see you on the other side, my friend.

Stan Ozarowski

We were freshman in high school. The cross country coach spent the first few weeks of the school year recruiting freshman for his team. He recruited 50 freshmen in all that season. Mark was one of them. By the end of the season, Mark and about a dozen others survived from not quitting.
Mark joined wrestling after that season and saw some success in that sport. He came back out to join track for the remainder of the year. Mark was on the fence whether to focus in wresting or Cross country/track.
We all persuaded Mark to stay in Cross country/track and thank God we did. There were 7 freshmen remaining from that school year and they were all pretty good. We were told to expect to win a state title with this group.
For the next 3 years Mark with six others and a new Coach , would go through successes and failures. We would share the same goals and dreams together. Mark was probably the most consistent runner of the bunch. When everyone else had bad race , Mark’s performance was spot on.
By our senior year, only 4 of that original group had the potential to
be all-staters and Mark was one them. Without Mark, we would have not won that state team title. That’s how important he was.

He was extremely competitive, compassionate, funny and a joy to be with. Friends forever. What a great life he had.
Mark , we’ll see you on the other side, my friend.

Stan Ozarowski

So saddened by Mark's passing. We shared an amazing childhood growing up together. So many neighborhood friends always gathered at 9511 Park Lane for whatever that day would bring us. Maybe football, basketball, whatever it was it was always fun and had a great impact on all of us and who we are today. Mark will be missed by many. May his memory be a blessing.

rick deutsch

Hugs to the whole family. Our thoughts are with you.

Alex & Sara Charney Cohen

Dearest Cousin Judy, Seth & Josh;
We were so shocked and saddened to hear about Mark’s passing. He was such a sweet and wonderful man and devoted to his family. We send our Love, Healing Thoughts and Prayers to you. May his memory be a blessing . Rest In Peace, Mark.

❤️ Love,
Barb and Dave Wolf.


Barbara Wolf

I felt very fortunate to have crossed paths with Mark three times in my life. First, we were both in the same 1980 graduating class of Maine East HS where I got to know him as part of the track and field team. I have always admired from afar what my fellow classmates (Paul, Stan, Mike, and Mark), under coach Sazonoff, were able to achieve by winning the 1979 Illinois HS cross country championship. For those unfamiliar with that tremendous accomplishment, they overcame York, the perennial champion, and Mark played a key role as the fifth and final scorer for ME when they edged York out by two points. More importantly though was the kind of high character person Mark developed into through that experience.

The next time I ran into Mark was at AT&T Bell Labs/Lucent where he was thought of highly for his knowledge and teamwork. And finally I got to know him best as the setter on my recreational volleyball team at the Lombard YMCA. He was extremely reliable, a selfless teammate, and quite an athlete. We eventually drifted apart when we moved on to different teams, but I’ve always valued the time we had spent together. I can imagine those close to him must now feel a huge void in their lives.

Ron Phillips

Mark and I worked together at AT&T back in the 1980’s. We even shared an office at one point. He was incredibly talented. Very smart and a great contributor to our work. He was also a lot of fun to work with. So sorry to hear of his health battle and his passing. May his memory be for a blessing!

Tina Chiapetta

We are so deeply sad and sorry for Mark’s tragic loss! May his memories live on in your hearts forever!

Glenn and Wendy Klassman

Mark is a very nice friend,friendly to everyone, always had a big smile on his face greeting people. He's always in some kind of sport and always in running . I always remember looking over from my office and saw Mark sitting there on his chair with the office garbage sorting out recycling. I've been trying to locate Mark,but couldn't find him since I left Lucent 20+ years ago. So sorry to hear his passing. My condolences!

Sharon Chiu

Recently learned of Mark's passing. Reaching out to Judith and the sons in prayer and sympathy.
I worked with Mark at Lucent in the TAG group, building products for the 5ESS test environment. We were also in the Masters program at IIT.
Mark and I worked well together and we were good friends over the work years together.
May his memory be a blessing. Shalom, Shalom.

John Blumenstein

Zichrono Livracha - May the beloved memory of Moshe Aron HaCohein be an everlasting blessing, and may his abiding neshama be a loving guide forever to all who were priviledge to know him in this Olam. Hamakom Y'nacheim Et'chem... - Cantor Michael Zoosman, NIH

Cantor Michael Zoosman