Mark J. Cheek, 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife and children on June 26, 2019 in The Villages, Fla., after a year-long battle.
Mark was born April 24, 1948 in Moline, to his parents, Wesley Cheek and Ruth (Van Zandbergen) Cheek. He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1966. He married the love of his life, Nadine Willems, on Dec. 28, 1968. He served our country in Vietnam later earning his associate degree in psychology. Upon returning from Vietnam, Mark continued his career with John Deere Harvester Works until he retired after 34 years. Upon retirement in 2001, Mark and Nadine relocated to The Villages. Mark decided he would return to work at Glenview Champions Country Club where he worked his way up to become assistant manager. Mark enjoyed working at Glenview for 15 years, meeting many wonderful people before retiring in May 2017.
Mark was gifted in so many ways. One of his many gifts was being able to fix and solve anything. He always enjoyed the challenge of using his helping hands to help others fix their project in need. Mark also loved to participate in MANY different sports. Anyone that knew Mark could find him in his favorite spot on the Mississippi River searching for his beloved largemouth bass. He enjoyed many fishing tournaments throughout the Midwest. He was honored to earn the chance to fish in the Bassmaster Classic. He was an avid bowler and achieved the "Perfect 300" game several times. Another sport that Mark enjoyed, was golf and experienced several holes in one. He always looked forward to his Saturday foursome as well as the many other days he would get together with friends on the golf course.
Mark's favorite thing in the world was the birth of his children, Melissa and Mark II. He loved coaching them in their many sports as he was their number one fan. He loved waking them up before the sun would rise to take them out on the boat because "that is when the fish would bite." Mark loved his children more than anything. In 1994, the real adventure began with the birth of his first grandchild and was forever known as "Poppy." He was so very happy watching all five of his grandchildren succeed in their many activities. Poppy loved cheering from the stands at their sporting events as well as playing games with his grandchildren when they were together.
Mark is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Nadine. His daughter Melissa (Damian) Girten of DeForest, Wis. His son, Mark (Mandy) Cheek of Geneseo. His grandchildren, Connor, Bryson and Bennett Girten, Alec and Jenna Cheek. His mother, Ruth Cheek; sisters, Candy (Mike) Walters and Lisa (Roger) Ockenfels; his stepsiblings, Carrie (Ted) Smart, Joel (Holly) Cope and Susie (Tom) Magri; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Wesley Cheek; and his stepmother Joan Cheek.
A Celebration Mass of Mark's life will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Summerfield. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Make A Wish.