Mark Gerard Keilman

Mark G. Keilman, age 57, of Chicago, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024. He is survived by his daughters Greta and Marian Keilman; siblings Michele (Kevin) Liebert, Steven (Trish) Keilman, Shauna (Bill) Schmidt, Carolyn (Victor) Tellez, and Cheryl Keilman; godmother Marlene Townsend; godfather Tom Herrman; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Janice Keilman.

A memorial mass is set for Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Church, 440 Joliet St. in Dyer. Friends may gather with the family for a memorial visitation following the mass at the Fagen-Miller Funeral Home, 8580 Wicker Ave in St. John, from 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm.

Mark was raised in Calumet City, IL and graduated from Bishop Noll High School. He was recruited to play Division I football at Valparaiso University, ultimately graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University. He worked in many industries, including steel, healthcare, and utilities. He had a lifelong love of sports, his favorite being baseball, and was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, often watching games with his father, Jack Keilman.

Soon after his graduation, he moved to the Lakeview area of Chicago and fell in love with the city. His love for boating inspired him to purchase a 30' Trojan fishing boat, later upgrading to a 39' Sea Ray, which he docked primarily at St. Joe, MI. He loved spending time on the boat with friends and family, and it was a great avenue for new friendships to form.

He first became a father on July 14, 2002 with the birth of his first daughter, Margaret “Greta” Keilman, who was shortly followed by her sister Marian Keilman on April 25, 2005. There was nothing in the world that he loved more than his two daughters and made sure to brag about them whenever and to whomever he could. He was always present at any swim meet, water polo game, band concert, soccer game, or volleyball match, and was always offering “pointers” to improve their skill.  He loved taking the girls on camping trips out west and encouraged their love of nature.

In his free time, he enjoyed playing card games, especially euchre and pinochle. He set aside every Wednesday night to play euchre with friends and made a point to play pinochle with his family at every get together. He was excited when his daughters took interest and encouraged them to understand the best play for every hand.

We thank all those who loved and supported Mark, and in lieu of flowers or monetary gifts, we encourage any donation to the Mark G. Keilman Memorial Fund to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.