Mark Lester Lewis

On October 18, 2025, while at home with Michelle by his side as he slept peacefully, Mark was eternally healed and welcomed into heaven by our Lord and Savior. Beloved son, brother, dad, husband and friend, he was made in England and born in the USA to Delos and Kathleen (Pettis) Lewis. Mark spent his teenage years shucking corn, walkin' beans, and regular teenage mischief with his southern cousins in the summer and working at Nicholson Hardware. He loved his high school years and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1979. Although he participated in tons of activities, he was most proud to be Senior Class President and homecoming king. Mark ran for Rockford School Board at 18 years old then headed to Bradley University, although he wasn't able to complete his education there. Years later, after marrying his first wife Bernadette and while working and raising their family, Mark received his Bachelor's degree from Cardinal Stritch University night school. A loving and devoted father, he cherished memories of being on the baseball field helping coach his son Adam and then learning to coach soccer when his son Eric wanted to play. He adored having Melanie in their home during some of her teenage years and was so proud to walk her down the aisle. Mark always bragged that he was born and raised in Rockford and enjoyed sharing historical facts about his beloved city to anyone who would listen. Mark's management career began in manufacturing at Antel and Rockford Powertrain and then continued at a handful of Midas locations before purchasing his own Midas on South Alpine Rd, he helped and met so many customers- many remain lifelong friends. When he closed his shop in 2012 he then went back to serving as a leader at several Manufacturing facilities for 7 years, before his health worsened and he had to stop working. That was the hardest thing for Mark to face since he always had such pride in his work and was a true a servant leader to his coworkers. A lifelong learner, Mark began working on his Masters in Theology before he lost his vision due to diabetes and was unable to continue. He renewed his love for the Lord by being baptized at Riverside Community Church in 2018 . He wanted to make sure he was the first one legged man to get baptized there. That is a glimpse into Marks sense of humor. He had the best, sometimes inappropriate, sense of humor. He loved beating dead horses and teaching anything he could. He left his "Mark" on so many lives and I'm sure he's cracking jokes already in Heaven. Mark loved people, loved serving people, and loved helping people. He just wanted to make sure he made you feel special. He didn't do anything half-way, including the party to celebrate marrying his love, Michelle, in 2011. He always overdid it and he was happy to admit that. Whether it was his HUGE antique fishing collection or the amount of lures or poles he brought in a fishing trip, Mark loved overdoing it. He loved wandering through an antique mall, estate sale, flea market or auction. He not only enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, but having a friendly competition with his best friend Michelle. Living and spending time together was always more important than anything. Mark greatly treasured his volunteer work. He served on the board of the Salvation Army and the Rock River Valley Pantry, was member of Alpine Kiwanis and a proud recipient of Kiwanian of the Year. He would spend months every year planning the logistics for the annual Brat Days event. He was so devoted to their mission of helping the children of our community. He packed a lot of life into 64 years. He is survived by his partner, best friend, devoted wife and caregiver Michelle. His parents, siblings Brad Lewis and Kristin (John) Guth, his sons Adam (Carolyn) Lewis, Eric Lewis and their Mother Bernadette (Wally) Ciborowski and stepson Brandon (Makayla) Baltis, Grandchildren Emma and Jeffrey Lewis. Parents in-law Vic and Lori Murphy. Sisters in-law Jodie Lewis and Melissa (Mike) Reese. Nephews and Nieces: Nick (Erin) and Molly Guth, Jake (Elissa) and Samantha, Ella, Logan Guth, Sarah (Alex) and Vanna Turman, Melanie (Joseph) and Aiden Livingston, Lindsey and Logan Reese. And many cousins and friends he loved so greatly. Proceeded in death by his Brother Jeffrey Lewis, his Uncle Jack Pettis and Aunt Carmen (Ron) Gresham. His grandparents Alva and Merna Pettis and Delos and Artis Lewis. We will miss him dearly our Mark, Lester, Lewie, Luis. Until we meet again...see ya later There will be a Celebration of Life at 11am on Saturday, November 8, 2025 in Riverside Community Church, 6816 N. Second Street, Machesney Park, IL with Pastor Bobby Sheets officiating. Please join the family during a time of visitation from 10-11am, before the service at the church.

Mark Lester Lewis

January 5, 1961 - October 18, 2025