Mark William Klemm Sr.

Mark William Klemm Sr., 73, of Gurnee, Illinois passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 with his wife and children by his side. Mark was born September 1st, 1951 in Waukegan, Illinois to the late Larry and Lois Klemm.

Mark was a jack of all trades, always one to lend a helping hand. But most of all, he was an amazing family man. Mark was a graduate of Warren Township High School, Class of 1969. There he played football, basketball, and loved being a Blue Devil. Mark went on to work for Gateway Concrete Forming Systems, Inc. for 40 years before retiring in 2008. Since he cannot sit still and fixed everything in his home, he went on to get a post-retirement job at Illinois Central Bus Company for the next 13 years.

Mark had many hobbies to keep him busy. He was one to never turn down a project. Many have tasked him with wood working projects and he would complete them quickly and always better than expected. He was an avid golfer, participating in leagues and golf trips with his friends, and always being the ringer on the family scramble team. Mark is known for his love of the Chicago Cubs and flying the W. But most of all, Mark was known for his smile and vibrant, loving personality. There was not a person who met Mark that was not touched by his kind and loving soul.

Later in life, Mark found his true calling when driving his bus route. Mark founded the “Sensory-Friendly Dance” for Waukegan High School in 2013. Mark wanted to make sure his students could have the same high school experiences as the rest of the student body. Mr. Mark had a huge impact on many students lives.

But most of all, Mark was a family man. He was the best husband, dad, and Papa to his family. To say his world revolved around his children and grandchildren is an understatement. He was the biggest fan to all and loved and supported each of them.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife Michele Klemm, his children, Edwin Klemm, Lissa Klemm, Mark Klemm Jr. (Candace), and Dana Lainio, his grandchildren, Zach Klemm-Fye(Autumn), Grace Klemm, Austin Klemm, Brianna Lainio, Connor Lainio, Lilyana Klemm, Ciara Robinson, Isabella Robinson, and Johnny Robinson, and his great-grandchildren, Ariella Klemm-Fye and Adelynn Klemm-Fye. He is also survived by his siblings, Martin Klemm (Chris), Maryl Smith, and Margie Klemm, his Mother-in-law, Phyllis Dolence, and in-laws, Ron Dolence Jr., Mark Dolence, and Kelly Glabowicz (John) as well as many of his nieces and nephews.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Lois Klemm, brother Michael Klemm, Father-in-Law Ronald Dolence Sr., sister-in-law Patty Klemm, brother-in-law Ken Smith, and niece Hailey Klemm.

Mark will be missed by so many and loved by all.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 at Marsh Funeral Home in Gurnee, IL. Visitation will take place from 4-8pm with a prayer and memories to be shared at 6:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Warren Special Recreation Association, 100 S. Greenleaf Street, Gurnee, IL 60031, (warrenspecialrec.org).