Mark Elmer Klokkenga

Peoria – Mark Elmer Klokkenga, 59, of Peoria, IL passed away Monday, March 9, 2015 at O.S.F. St. Francis Medical Center. Mark was born November 20, 1955 in Hopedale, IL to Leland and Mary Lou (Krusemark) Klokkenga. Surviving is his mother Mary Lou Klokkenga of Emden, IL, son Bryan (Erin) Klokkenga of East Peoria, IL, daughter Brittany Klokkenga of St. Louis, MO, two granddaughters: Adelyn and Lillyn Klokkenga, two brothers Alan (Sylvia) Klokkenga of Emden, IL and L. Neil (Cindy) Klokkenga of Emden, IL, his sister Jean (Gary) Eimer of Lincoln, IL, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.Mark was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Emden, and later was an active member of Northwoods Community Church. He taught Sunday school and participated in several mission trips to foreign countries. Mark was a Physical Science Technician at the United States Department of Agriculture lab in Peoria for 27 years. He began his studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Education in 1977 and taught in several Illinois high schools. He later obtained his Master’s Degree from S.I.U.C. in Plant and Soil Science in 1985. Mark’s life revolved around his family, his church, the outdoors, and his love for volunteering. His hobbies included hiking, bicycling, kayaking, canoeing, and when it came to sports, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bears. Mark loved to volunteer, so much he was involved with the Community Garden through the Ag Lab and Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Peoria. He also was a member of: Forrest Park Nature Center, Illinois River Clean Up, Sierra Club, Illinois Valley Wheelmen, Pimiteoui Trail Association, Mackinaw Canoe and Kayak Club, Master Naturalist of Peoria, and Good Life Meet up Group. Mark was a man that never left a room silently and made more plans than his schedule would allow. He was a man who had zest for life that was only quenched by his faith, love for his family, friends, travels, and being one with nature. He danced longer, loved harder, and lived every day passionately. Services will be held at 10 am Friday, March 13, 2015 at Northwoods Community Church. Visitation will be from 5 – 8 pm Thursday at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Interment will be in Hartsburg Union Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Forrest Park Nature Center. Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.Davison-Fulton.com