Mark Allan Stracke

Mark Allan Stracke, 74, was born in Fontana (1951) and died in Riverside (2026). His adventures span the length and width of California. Swimming against the riptide, camping with friends and family, and savoring long summer evenings in the backyard as the sun went down (and the heat finally broke) were some of his favorite things. Mark retired as a a Substitute Teacher from the Colton and Riverside School Districts. Before that he was a Surveyor for Riverside Flood Control and a Steel Worker at Kaiser Steel before that. He was a beach swimmer with a flipper fin on his foot, he made furniture and toys in the garage slash woodshop, he had a strong family presence, and he was a member of the Brook Church in Grand Terrace. He volunteered on the 'set up crew' and hosted a bible study, but he was really trying out his dry comedic timing and his DJ skills. His hobbies included scuba diving, photography, woodworking, camping, gardening, country western line dancing, as well as hanging out with family, friends, and pets.

Mark is survived by his daughter, Mandy Stracke of San Jose and a host of family and friends. He is preceded in passing by his wife, Mary Stracke; his parents, Mathilda and Carroll Stracke; and his siblings, Karon Brecht and James Stracke.

His sly grin and mischievous eyes will be deeply missed and his presence will be felt in various quiet moments before a worldly insight or a well-delivered one liner.

The Memorial Service will be held at Green Acres Chapel at 9 am on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Per the Stracke Family: In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mark's memory to:

Cal State University San Bernardino

Link: https://www.csusb.edu/annual-giving/ways-to-give

Human Society of San Bernardino Valley

Link: https://hssbv.org/make-a-donation/