OBITUARY
Mark Paul Kaczmarski
September 22, 1972 – February 5, 2021
On Friday, February 05, 2021, Mark Paul Kaczmarski, loving friend, son and father, passed away at the age of 48, in Chicago, Illinois.
Mark was born to Walter and Irene (Gut) Kaczmarski, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on September 22, 1972, and immediately blessed our lives with a voracious appetite for laughter, adventure, and love.
Mark attended Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Grade School prior to graduating from Bishop Ryan High School in Hamilton, Ontario. He continued his education at Youngstown State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, before becoming a paramedic for the city of Youngstown, Ohio. His love of aiding those in need became his greatest passion for the future to come.
Mark attended National Chiropractic College in Lombard, IL, receiving his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1999. He began his career with Midwest Chiropractic until he opened his own clinic, Southland Chiro & Rehab in 2013, where he was active in the Mount Greenwood community and a noted speaker for the Chicago Police Department. Through his many interactions with others, and his specialty in chiropractic medicine, Mark earned himself the nickname of “Bonecrusher”, an infamous moniker for the infamous man.
“Kazzer” was a force, an immediately unforgettable character. Our beloved Canadian sensation could make you smile, or more likely, double over in laughter while bringing tears to your eyes while instantly becoming your favorite human ever. He loved to play. Upon meeting someone new, it was not unusual for Mark to convince them of his time in a Canadian boy band or as a famous hockey player. Whether discussing the benefits of learning to speak Spanish through Telenovelas, or guessing your nationality through three questions, Mark was always correct.
His love for adventure was inspiring: skiing glaciers, surfing in the Pacific, flying lessons, rollerblading Lakeshore Drive, boating the Mississippi, and taking his children everywhere and anywhere possible. Some of their most recent adventures included jet skiing, roller coasters, and helicopter rides.
A most profound quality of Mark was his love for people, especially those he surrounded himself with daily, spanning from childhood until recent. He also found joy in cracking a cold one on the golf course with friends, backyard BBQ’s, and attending concerts whenever he had the chance. He always returned with fantastic stories because of his immense wealth of friends, both near and far.
Although Mark was an only child, he had many brothers. His friends, his boys, were the origins of his many, many hysterical and touching stories. They made him smile so brightly and were true loves of his life. Mark would answer the phone, “Hey Brother!” and it was known to be any of the following: John Spehar (Canada), Koksal Demirdag (Turkey), Angelo Gec (Illinois), Mark Procyk (Texas), Wes Ingram (North Carolina), Curtis Wolfolk (Illinois), Simon Lindsay (Australia), Matt Zavarella (West Virgina) and Danny Gaichas (Illinois). They have been by his side through various adventures, difficult life lessons, and, most importantly, as family. Mark loved, valued, and respected each man beyond measure.
His love extended beyond his brothers to his beautiful family in Canada, including his uncle Jerry (Julie) Gut, uncle John (Jania) Kaczmarski, aunt Rosa (Steven) Kaczmarski, and cousins Alexander, Tricia, Danny, Oksana, Anna, Mary, and the late Andrew Kaczmarski. Preceded in death are his grandparents, Alex & Anna Gut and Joseph & Stanislawia Kaczmarski. Mark cherished the Ukrainian traditions of his family and loved them all dearly.
Without a doubt, the greatest loves of his life were his two children, Kate Irena and Mason Philip, born from the love, respect, and partnership between Mark and their mother, Kelley Karberg. Never was a man so changed the day they were brought into his life. His heart soared with pride and gratitude, and his greatest pleasure was to spoil them as much as humanly possible. In their words:
“Dad lit up smiles everywhere. He was kind, and, in his words, “broke the ice” when he met new people. He always wanted to make memories and made the most with Mason and me. He cherished chicken wings almost as much as his family and friends. He loved practicing football, camping, and roller blading along Lake Michigan with his dog Lennox. He was dedicated, valiant, hysterical, intelligent, and so many other major characteristics. LAGL.” Love, Kate
“Dad loved his life and smiled every day, and all the time with me and Kate. We played football, baseball, going to the park. Every time AFV popped up we would watch people and laugh while eating chips and vinegar. Dad made the best tacos and ate a lot of chicken wings. We would get seafood and devour it. We all loved him so much. I love you Dad. LAGL.” Love, Mason
Our greatest thanks go to Walter and Irene for giving us Mark Paul Kaczmarski. Their love for him was endless, knowing no boundaries. Beyond parents, they were his teachers, his inspiration, his mentors, and his friends. They instilled in Mark a set of values and traditions that will be carried on for generations through all his family and friends. In Mark’s words, on many, many occasions, “My parents are the greatest people I’ve ever known.” The love they shared was beautiful and an inspiration.
Ya Tebe Lyublyu.
Visitation will be on Monday, February 15, from 4-9 PM at Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home, 10727 S Pulaski, Chicago, IL 60655. Interment Private. In consideration of the safety of our guests and associates, Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home will adhere to the current gathering restrictions in the state of Illinois, which allow 50 or fewer guests at services. Proper social distancing must be practiced and all guests will be required to wear face masks at all times. Thank you for your cooperation.
If desired, memorial contributions can be made to Mark's children at the following GoFundMe link. Anything and everything is very much appreciated. -- https://www.gofundme.com/f/kate-and-mason-kaczmarski-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1
Services
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Visitation
Monday, February 15, 2021
Memories
Mark Paul Kaczmarski
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYDerek Pollei
February 22, 2021
I'll never forget the fun we had as kids; goofing around at Chaika, Plast, and Holy Spirit. R.I.P. Kachka.
Ann Selemba
February 21, 2021
My sincerest condolences to both of you, Irene and Walter. I can't imagine the heartache that you are suffering in losing your only child, Mark. May your memories of him sustain you in the coming years. Ann Selemba, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Vichnaya Pamyat!
Paula Patel
February 16, 2021
We had the pleasure of meeting Mark a few times. He was an extremely nice guy. Every time I saw him he had a huge smile on his face. He was very welcoming to us and made us feel like we had known him for years. Our hearts go out to Kelley, Kate, Mason, and Mark's parents. I hope to give you a hug someday soon and hear more wonderful memories about Mark. Love, Paula & Suman Patel
kate kaczmarski
February 15, 2021
i remember me and tato/dad would always watch movies. we would mostly play football and i would watch my brother and tato punt the ball to eachother while i would watch from a distance. i miss and love you tato
Dan Romano
February 15, 2021
Mark will always be one of my best friends, even though we didn’t see each other much (long distance thing, career, family). But we had a bond and a personal connection that was unbroken throughout the years. And it will remain unbroken in my heavy heart!
My thoughts are with his parents, family and friends...hoping they will find comfort and peace knowing that he has touched us all with love, laughter and lasting memories.
Rest is peace my friend. One day we will sing, dance and laugh again!
Carol KROL
February 13, 2021
My heart goes out to Kelley, Kate and Mason on the loss of Mark . I will always remember him to be funny, charming and welcoming whenever I saw him. I am so sorry for your loss. Please keep in your hearts the happy memories of him which appear to be so many.
Yaroslav Baran
February 12, 2021
He was a giant. We grew up together in Hamilton. He was a couple years up on me, but we went to both Holy Spirit and “BR” together. And Ukrainian night school. He made it hilarious. Always the class clown, he kept us in stitches, and vexed our teachers to no end. He was a good man. I’m shocked he’s gone. He will always always be fondly remembered. Farewell, Kachka. You’ll be missed greatly.
Paula Martell
February 12, 2021
Mark and I went to Bishop Ryan together. I will always remember him as a funny and kind man. He always had a smile to share with everyone. He will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with his parents, children, family and friends. I hope you may find some comfort during this difficult time.
Sandra Degiuli
February 12, 2021
We went to Bishop Ryan together. My deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.
Marie McNulty
February 12, 2021
I had the joy of working with Mark in Youngstown during my medic years. Always a professional and funny. May God grant his family, friends and coworkers peace, strength and courage now and forever. God speed Mark. You brightened all our lives. 💗🙏
John Dykyj
February 11, 2021
John Dykyj
February 11, 2021
I grew up with Mark, he was also known as "Kachka".. (duck in Ukrainian). Our families were close and I can still call on Walter whenever I need a hand.
Mark was like a big brother and whether we were wrestling in his basement or ice fishing, I can't recall a moment when he wasn't laughing. I'm sure his influence helped shape my sense of humour .. His permanent smile was contagious and even my last communication with him, a few weeks ago, was a funny video he sent to make me laugh. Kachka will be missed . On behalf of the Dykyj Family, I would like to send our deepest condolences to Walter and Irene.
Matt Zavarella
February 10, 2021
I met Mark aka Kaz 28 some years ago in Youngstown, Ohio. We became best friends as we competed for grades in Paramedic school. There was never a dull moment in our college life. From prancing other students, nights out on campus, to hitting golf balls off the roof of his apartment launching them into the nearby park at unsuspecting victims. Mark always had a grin on his face from ear to ear. After graduating we both worked EMS as Paramedics in Y Town which was our dream job. We shared the stress, sorrow, and occasional happiness that our careers brought us. Later in life as we both advanced in medicine we would reminisce about the best years of our life working as Paramedics.
Mark served as a groomsman in my wedding. I still remember the organist having to repeat the same song as the bridesmaids was standing at the end of the church waiting to be walked down the isle. But wait, where was he groomsmen? Well in typical Kaczmarski fashion he was off screwing around somewhere else in the church. I was ready to go walk Krissy down the isle when suddenly out of the back of the church Kaz comes runs in with that big grin on his face, better late then never.
Mark and I went our separate ways but we always stayed in touch discussing everything and anything , which of course he was always an expert in. Mark was a brother to me and we laughed, cried,, and lived our lives. Kate and Mason came along and Mark was now a father. . And in typical Kaz fashion he lived life with his kids and Kelly Jo to the fullest. Mark and kids came out this past summer and we had a blast in WV. I saw that big grin on his face and a glimmer back in his eyes. I was so happy fir him. I am just heart broken I couldn’t do more for my brother in his time of need.
Kaz, I will always remember you quick whit, your infectious laughter, and your friendship and Love. I pray you are at peace. Love you Brother.
Zav