Heineke, Mark Allen
died Sunday, July 24, 2022. Born in Lansing Michigan on
August 16, 1970, the son of John and Nancy Heineke and husband of Kelly Heineke (née Verbeke).
As an avid lover of books, Mark devoted his career to serving that passion as a leader at the University of Chicago Press, Northern Illinois University Press, the J. Paul Getty Museum Press, and the University of Nebraska Press. A lover of learning, Mark received a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Michigan in 1992, as well as a Master’s degree in English from The George Washington University in 1999.
Mark was a joyous force of nature, and everyone who knew Mark knew the sound of his laughter and the power of his voice. He loved music wholeheartedly whether playing with friends, band members, or sitting home listening to records and singing along. He wrote and recorded an album, Lovely, in 2012 with the assistance of so many talented friends. His sense of humor and quick wit drew friends to him all his life.
Mark loved to discuss politics, philosophy, literature, music, and film, and was equally enthusiastic about football, basketball, and baseball. As a University of Michigan alumni, he was deeply proud of being a lifelong Michigan Wolverine fan. He loved going to baseball games, and had hoped to visit every ballpark in North America.
Most importantly, Mark was a devoted husband, a loving son, a beloved friend, and a doting father to the dogs he shared with his wife Kelly. Mark is survived by his wife Kelly, his parents John and Nancy, his mother-in- law, Linda Verbeke, his sister-in-law Amber Verbeke (married to Robyn Miller), niece Echo, nephew Thomas, and his two dogs Daisy and Finnegan.
He loved fully and was loved deeply by innumerable people. There are no words to describe the loss of such a vibrant, joyful man, but this perhaps comes close, “Your cause of sorrow must not be measured by his worth, for then it hath no end.”
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held in Chicago in the near future.
Condolences may be left online at www.lincolnffc. com
Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries
Mark Allen Heineke