Mark E. Cunningham
Mark E. Cunningham, 58, of LaGrange, formerly of Hinsdale, died May 23, 2016 surrounded by his family. Loving husband of Linda (nee Metz); beloved brother of Jane Klimcke (Ronald) and Lucy Tarabour (Elliot); dear uncle, son-in-law, cousin, and brother-in-law. A graduate of Northern Illinois University with a degree in Graphic Arts Technology, Mark spent the majority of his career in the paper and printing industry. His distinct voice was heard on Suzuki radio ads, and he commanded the stage in many theater productions. He loved model railroading, the Great Lakes, cars, ice fishing, pastry, cats, dogs, The Stones, movies, Manhattans, the Cubs, the Packers and his house. Generosity, kindness, genuine warmth and a positive attitude were among the many endearing traits of Mark, a true gentleman who had countless admiring friends. With the cancer battle of 13-plus years now ended, peace prevails. Borrowing from coach Vince Lombardi, Mark said: “We didn’t lose the game; we just ran out of time.” Services were private at Mark’s request. A memorial celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 10am at the La Grange Theatre, 80 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hinsdale Humane Society www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org or Catnap From The Heart www.catnapfromtheheart.org.
Rest in peace, my old friend…I’d hoped to see you again…so many memories….singing The Lord Bless You and Keep You with all four parts hanging out in your basement….cruising in the Shirley-mobile….eating french fries at Denny’s…we had such a good group of friends and so many good times…you were the lifeblood of that group, and you will be a part of our hearts, forever.
Mark was the most positive, upbeat person I have ever known. No one ever complained less – while having so, so much to complain about (a long battle with cancer, nasty chemo, etc). Very inspirational, but very sad.
So sorry for your loss Linda. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
So, so sorry for your loss Linda. I can’t even imagine the emptiness you must feel. How lucky we all were to have had him touch our lives.
So sorry for your loss, Linda. What a fierce battle he fought.
Rest in peace our friend and brother. You fought the battle bravely. We will all miss your beautiful nature and kindness. All our love until we meet again. Linda we are so sorry for your loss. Our love, The Reynolds Family
My deepest sympathies to the entire family; I just saw the posting on the Hinsdale Central Memorial Page on Facebook. I was a friend of Mark’s in high school and thought of him as such a kind and decent person; I was sorry to have lost track of him, though I worked with Jane for a number of years in Downers Grove. Please know that my memories of Mark are all good ones, and I’m so sorry to know that he fought this battle so long.
Mark was one of the kindest and most gentle soul I’ve met in my life. In his presence you felt welcomed and as if you had been friends forever. He exuded such generosity and warmth – I was blessed to have known him and shared time with him and Linda. His talent on stage was unmatched and the last role I saw him in playing 3 different characters in “Sylvia” was outstanding and a tour de force. He fought a brave fight and he will be deeply missed. Linda, you have our deepest condolences from Ange and I.
Linda,
My sympathy to you and your family. May the God of comfort and grace grant you strength and hope in the coming weeks and months ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul and Julie Klopke
Mark will be missed. It’s been many years since high school, and I hoped
To catch-up at the re-Union. It’s funny how many times my parents would call me with Mark sitings throughout the years. I don’t recall them ever mentioning cancer.
Linda,
My heart goes out to you. The all too short time I knew Mark, where passing moments of profound admiration and respect. He was a wonderful man, so generous, gifted, fearless, kind and attentive. He worked on two motion pictures with my students, and never did he loose his patience with the process. His warm smile made you feel at ease, and he never complained or lost his focus. All my students are heartbroken with the news of his passing.
Linda you are in my thoughts and I feel so very grateful for the time I spent with you and Mark. He was superlative…I will miss him.
Kevin Lucero Less
Goodbye Mark. I will miss your smiling handsome face whenever theatre people were together and that was a lot. We will all feel your presence because that’s what a good friend does, watch over us.