Mark J. Warner

Mark J. Warner, 66, was unexpectedly called to his heavenly home on May 23rd.

The world has lost a kind, patient, gentle and loving man.

Mark was born on November 13, 1959, a son of the late Edward and Clara Warner.

He is survived by his loving wife Susan Warner; brother Steven (Sue), nieces Lindsay (Christian), Ellie, Sidney and nephew Steven.

Mark is also survived by brother-in-law Tom Vandemerkt, sister-in-law Chris Geisler (Dan) and aunt-in-law Jackie Buss, friends Bill Banfield and John Stemple, as well as by his faithful puppies Lily and Violet.

Mark grew up in Dolton and South Holland, Illinois. He attended St. Jude Elementary and Thornwood High School. He later moved to Chicago as he became a Chicago Firefighter. He retired after 25 years of dedicated service to others. Mark was a faithful member at Redeemer Lutheran Church in South Holland and was a strong man of faith.

As a child, Mark developed a keen interest in a wide variety of things from old cars, gas stations, pinball machines, records and jukeboxes. As a very young child he loved to place selections on the jukebox for his parents’ friends. As an adult Mark carried these interests into his life and home and even turned his dining room into an arcade. Due to his interests, Mark loved to tinker with his collection of old cars and anything that needed fixing.

Mark’s love of music was unmatched by most. He had an enormous collection of records, sheet music and a vast knowledge base of 30’s to 60’s music. He enjoyed playing many of his favorites on the piano too. Mark had discriminating tastes when it came to food. He was an Okedoke aficionado.

Mark loved to camp and travel in his airstream trailer. He enjoyed making a good fire and sipping a few beers. His favorite place to visit was Mackinac Island in Michigan due to the movie, “Somewhere in Time.” He and Sue stayed there, at the Grand Hotel, many times.

Sue was blessed to be married to her sweetheart Mark for almost 26, too short years. Theirs was a marriage of love, trust, mutual respect and filled with many happy memories.

Mark’s smiling face, kindness, and gentle nature will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorial visitation will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 651 E. 166th St., South Holland, IL. Inurnment First Lutheran Cemetery – Alsip, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to PAWS – Mokena, Humane Society – Chicago Heights, or Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home – South Holland, IL. For further information please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com.