John Mark Friedmann

NAME JOHN MARK FRIEDMANN, Age 65, of Hampshire, Illinois passed away at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. BORN: He was born November 8, 1944, in Bellingham, WA, the youngest son of Paul and Hope (Boynton) Friedmann. EARLY YEARS:Mark’s father was a pastor so the family moved often, but eventually settling in Altadena, CA. He attended local schools and graduated from John Muir High School in 1962. Mark left California for Illinois when he attended Aurora College. Soon thereafter, Mark enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 and was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He faithfully served his country until his honorable discharge in 1970. EDUCATION: After his return to civilian life, Mark went back to college in 1970 and finished his Bachelor Degree in Sociology at the University of Texas El Paso, and later in 1978 his Master’s Degree in Guidance & Counseling at the University of Texas El Paso. MARRIAGE: Mark met his future wife Mary Konecny while they both attended Aurora College in 1966. Their love was strong as it blossomed into marriage on August 11, 1967 in Hampshire, IL. They began their new life together back in El Paso, TX and spent the next thirty-seven years their raising a family and serving their community. Mary and Mark welcomed home three boys, John Mark Jr. in 1971, Joseph Michael in 1977 and Jason Matthew completed their family in 1983. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: El Paso, Texas was home for 37 years. After their retirement, they moved back to Hampshire, Illinois and bought their current home on McGough Road next to Mary’s mother Frances. MEMBERSHIPS: Mark was a man of strong faith. In El Paso he was an Elder at both Trinity Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church. He served his Lord in many capacities over the years as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Leader, as well as chairman and member of many church committees. Most recently he served as Lay Leader of Burlington United Methodist Church in Illinois, weekly Bible Study Leader, and joyfully attended a men’s Bible Study Fellowship in Geneva for the last six years. WORK HISTORY:After graduation from UTEP, Mark’s first job was a Social Worker for the state of Texas. His next great opportunity was becoming the Director of the El Paso Rehabilitation Center for Children. One of his greatest accomplishments was the building of the new rehabilitation facility. He eventually moved on and retired serving those with mental and development disabilities as Superintendent of the El Paso State Center. His life was one of service and he gave his all. LIFE NOTES: Mark greatest joy was his unconditional love of his family and church. He loved watching his favorite teams including both his alma mater as well as his son’s, Texas A&M. No matter what the sport, he made sure his voice could be heard above the din making sure the referees and coaches knew that he was watching, especially when he disapproved of a recent call or strategy. He also enjoyed spending time at the race track and casinos making dates with "Lady Luck" whenever he could. Cruises were a theme for Mark and it wasn’t too long before he was nick-named "The Cruise Director". He often found one-of-a-kind deals for family and friends that took them to Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexico Riviera, several cruises to the Caribbean as well a dream vacation to Turkey, Greece, and Italy. In his younger years he golfed and spent time on a local bowling league on a team called "Free Advice" with great friends, Barron & Sheryl White. His three sons have vivid and somewhat humorous memories of yearly family vacations to California and Illinois to reconnect with family. They say he was very familiar with many state police officers, but only if they could catch up to him as he traveled across the country with his family in tow. It was those times he was surrounded by his family that were priceless and could never be replaced. The retirement years of Mark’s life were spent in Illinois embraced by Mary’s family who he felt were his own. Thousands of memories were made during his sixty-five years before he claimed the promise of his Savior. Those will be the legacy he leaves behind for the next generation and though Mark will be missed greatly, he will never be forgotten. SURVIVORS: He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Friedmann, Three children: John Mark (Tracey) Friedmann Jr. of Waxahachie, TX, Joseph (Debra) Friedmann and their children, Robert and Tyler, of Waxahachie, TX, and Jason (Kim Pinion) Friedmann of Austin, TX;Two siblings: Evan (Kate) Friedmann of Westlake Village, CA and Suzie (Michael) Coy of Oahu, HI;Mary’s brothers and sisters: Joe (Sandy) Konecny of Hampshire, IL and Cookie (David) Seimer of Maple Park, IL and Toni (Mike) Berens of Maple Park, IL and Jim Konency of Lake Barrington, IL. Several nieces, nephews, as well as his faithful companions, two Chihuahuas, Bailey and Bella. PRECEDED:He is preceded in death by his parents, Hope and Paul Friedmann, Mary’s parents, Joe and Frances Konecny, and one brother, Kent Friedmann. VISITATION / FUNERAL Following cremation, the family and the Burlington United Methodist Church, 195 W. Center St., Burlington, IL, 60109, will host a memorial service at 10 am September 25, 2010 to celebrate his life. The later date will allow as many family and friends adequate time to make arrangements to attend. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name to benefit his favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Mark Friedmann Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Following cremation, the family and the Burlington United Methodist Church, 195 W. Center St., Burlington, IL, 60109, will host a memorial service at 10:00 AM on September 25, 2010 celebrate his life.

Private Family Commital service.