Mark Berwanger

GLENDALE – Mark Thomas Berwanger, 50, of Glendale, AZ, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on February 11, 2024. Mark was born November 22, 1973, in Sterling, IL to his loving parents Tom and Bobbi Berwanger.

Mark will be remembered as a devoted and loving father to his 3 children. He greatly loved his family and friends and stayed in regular contact with them, including many childhood and college friends. Mark was a true sports fanatic, a loyal Bears, White Sox, Bulls, Fighting Illini, and LSU Tigers fan. Mark will especially be remembered for his sense of humor. If you knew Mark, you laughed with him and probably shared multiple ongoing inside jokes. His favorite TV show was Seinfeld, and he could pretty much quote whole episodes. Mark devoted his career to helping people recover from mental illness and substance use. He will be greatly missed by his work family and clients. Mark was the best “Unc” to his niece and nephews and a wonderful dad, son, brother, friend, life-partner, and co-worker. Everywhere Mark went he was kind, thoughtful, and a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed and forever honored in the eyes of his loved ones.

Mark leaves behind his 3 children; Payton Berwanger of Phoenix, AZ, Grady Berwanger of Glendale, AZ, and Cece Berwanger of Glendale, AZ. His father; Thomas Berwanger and step-mother; Terry Berwanger of Leesburg, FL. His sister Jennifer Blackorby and brother-in law Ryan Blackorby of Washington, IL. His niece McKenna Blackorby of Normal, IL. His 3 nephews, Thomas, Owen, and William Blackorby of Washinton, IL. His girlfriend and life-partner, Karen DiFrancesco of Surprise, AZ. Mark was preceded in death and greeted with a big hug at the gates of Heaven by his mother; Roberta “Bobbi” Berwanger (Young).

Arizona Service: February 20, 2024 1:00pm Visitation 2:00pm Service at Heritage Funeral Chapel 6830 W. Thunderbird Rd. Peoria, Az 85381

Another service will be planned in Mark’s hometown of Dixon, Illinois for friends and loved ones from back home. Illinois Service:March 15, 2024 11am Graveside Service at Oakwood Cemetery Dixon, IL (use Franklin Grove Rd to access) 122pm Celebration of Life Luncheon at Dixon Elks Lodge 779 1279 Franklin Grove Rd Dixon, IL 61021 In lieu of flowers please donate to Terros Health in Mark’s honor. For extended version of obituary please go to heritagefuneralchapels.com