Mark Brown

Mark Douglas Brown, 63, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, left the sorrows and joys of this world on July 1, 2025. He died at his home after displaying incredible courage and strength in his long battle with ALS. He was born March 14, 1962 in Waukegan, Illinois. He was the cherished son of Wayne Brown and Glenda Brown née Lindley.

Growing up in Winthrop Harbor, Mark graduated from Zion Benton High School in 1980, marking the beginning of a journey that would be marked by hard work and dedication. For over two decades, he worked as a Residential Carpenter with Local Union 250 in Illinois. He then moved to Arkansas where he continued his career as a Union Carpenter.

In Arkansas, Mark met his final partner in life, K.A.Buckelew, building a beautiful and loving life and home together on their 18-acre homestead. With the economic downturn of 2008, Mark took advantage of the slowdown in work to pursue a university education with determination and completed a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts with honors, further enriching his life and experiences.

Mark and K. Moved back to Winthrop Harbor, Illinois in 2012, where Mark found fulfilling work with ZionSolutions as a waste technician. He finished the last several years of his career as a carpenter atGreat Lakes Naval Base.

Outside of work, Mark had a variety of interests that brought him joy and satisfaction. He had a passion for woodworking and home remodeling projects, gardening and yardwork. One of his fondest pastimes was collecting baseball cards alongside his childhood friend, Mike Hanson. Mark was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs, always cheering them on with enthusiasm! He had loved to play guitar and continued to listen to many kinds of music. He loved being immersed inbooks, and continued as well to enjoy and collect the comic books wherein he’d first developed his love of reading.

Mark had a deep appreciation for great literature, history, philosophy, poetry, music, science and mathematics. It was his determination to love others and his love of learning that sustained him through the last years of his life when the disease of ALS had robbed him of the ability to use his body to do so much more that he would have loved to have done. And he loved his cats, who adored him and kept him close company until the very last.

Mark leaves behind a loving and admiring family, including his wife K., his daughter Leann, stepson Yosha, grandsons Logan and Taylon and treasured great-granddaughter Hailey, brother Terrell (Marie) Brown, nephews Jerry and Matthew, nieces Alanna and Alyssa, and other family and friends.

Mark is preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Vollie and Leola Brown, and Arlin and Blanche Lindley; his devoted parents, Wayne and Glenda Brown; his beloved sister, Regina Jump; and his kindhearted niece, Annie Jump. 

His spirit continues to shine in the hearts and lives of those who were lucky enough to know him, A private service was held for the family.

Please consider donating to ALS UNITED, a group that supports research and provides resources and support to those stricken by ALS and their families. In memory of Mark, Thank You.

https://alsunitedchicago.org/ways-to-give/honor-and-memorial-gifts/