Mark Malleis

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Mark Malleis, age 52, died peacefully at his home in Chicago on December 8, 2023 of a cardiac event. Born April 14, 1971 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was a proud father, a loving son, a hilarious nephew, a generous uncle, a very dear brother, and a great friend to many others. He earned his Masters degree from Loyola University and worked as a database administrator. Mark was gregarious, brilliant, entertaining, and never on time. His smile stretched ear to ear and his laugh lit up a room. He was a fantastic storyteller with the Irish gift of gab. Mark enjoyed reading, music, handiwork, building, crafting, and even coloring. Mark's heart and his home were always with his family. He shared a life connection with his longtime companion Sherrie. Together they raised the most precious people in his life, his daughters. While Mark had many interests and many loves, none were greater than spending time with Paige (b. 2011) and Rachel (b. 2015). An extraordinarily proud daddy, fatherhood exaggerated his jovial nature. He loved to engage his girls on their terms. When Paige was a toddler, he would rush home from work to play farm, or to help her with arts and crafts. She and Mark were buddies on the fastest roller coasters (much to her delight) at any amusement park. On her 7th birthday, at the Allegan County Fair, Paige took him on the biggest ride, which ended with Mark stuck in the seat. They both laughed so hard! Paige fondly remembers her dad teaching her chess and introducing her to new music. One of their favorite tunes was “Heaven” by the Los Lonely Boys. Rachel, born ready to laugh, found her dad a willing clown. Mark lived for her chuckle, and was always mugging a silly expression or assuring her “It’s not one funny, it’s TOO funny.” Their wrestling matches inevitably ended in peals of laughter. Rachel has warm, clear memories of Mark teaching her the basics of electricity. One of her favorite memories is crouching in a dark closet with Paige, ready to scare daddy when he got home from work. When he walked in, the girls attacked, firing off ping-pong balls from their hiding place. All three of them tumbled down in laughter. Mark relished taking the girls camping, teaching them how to build a fire and roast hot dogs. The girls have many delightful memories at Tippecanoe River State Park in Indiana, sitting around a fire asking “Would You Rather?" questions. All of the wonderful memories Paige and Rachel have of their father are truly priceless treasures they will hold onto the rest of their lives. Mark is survived by his daughters Paige and Rachel and their mother Sherrie, his mother Maureen, siblings Joseph, Matthew (Kendra), Catherine (George) Meiners, John (Jodie Sneller), Anna (Douglas) Valladolid, Molly Casey, Margaret, and Emily, and 8 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Thomas Malleis. A wake celebrating Mark's life will be held January 8, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel in Grand Rapids, Michigan followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm. His funeral mass will take place at 11:00 am on January 9, 2024 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Belmont, Michigan. Interment and funeral luncheon immediately following at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Paige and Rachel’s 529 Michigan Education Savings Program, care of Sharon Malleis via Zelle ( sherrie.malleis@gmail.com) or Venmo (@Sherrie-Malleis) (Venmo). Additionally, checks may be mailed to Sharon Malleis 2349 N. Cleveland Ave. #G Chicago, IL 60614. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Mark Malleis

April 14, 1971 - December 8, 2023