Mark Lawrence passed away peacefully at the VA Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin on January 7, 2025 from cancer linked to agent orange exposure. Mark was known for his kindness and his positive attitude. Even during his stay in the Hospice Unit at the Veterans Hospital, he welcomed all visitors with a huge smile, and told everyone that he was receiving the “Best care in the world!”
Mark was born on May 24, 1949 in Belvidere IL, to Dr. Allen & Elaine Lawrence RN. He graduated Belvidere High School in 1967 after surviving the Belvidere tornado. Mark served in the US Army 1st Cavalry during the Vietnam war, where he was awarded the Bronze Star along with 3 purple heart medals.
As a veteran Mark graduated from Southern Illinois University then earned an MBA from Purdue University. He worked for the NASA Space Shuttle Projects in Houston and later as a senior systems programmer for IBM on the Y2K project helping to safely usher computers into the 21st century. Mark truly was a rocket scientist!
Mark’s motto was, “I’d rather be with the givers than the takers!” He embodied that slogan in many ways. He cared for his mother at his home for several years after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He was awarded the Boy Scouts of America Wood Badge, an honor reserved for leaders with distinguished service to the organization. He served on the Belvidere Tornado Memorial Committee that built the Tornado Memorial at the Belvidere High School.
If there was any cause for veterans, Mark was there helping out. He started two chapters of The Vietnam Veterans of America and served in all offices in Rockford IL Chapter 998. He was regularly seen at the Rockford Airport welcoming troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Mark served on the board of the Allen J Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Foundation, with his good friend Al Lynch, a Medal of Honor Recipient.
Until recently, Mark’s very special Lakeland Terrier service dog, Katie, helped him cope with PTSD. Mark had a special place in his heart for fellow veterans who suffered from PTSD, and worked to get many of them help. Mark was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Tom and sister Susan. He is survived by his brothers; John Lawrence of Rockford, with whom he spent the last decade of his life, and David Lawrence of Elgin, IL. Among his many special friends and family are Kimberly and Jeff Metheny of Rockford, IL and cousins Doug and Beth Plier of Horicon, WI.
A memorial service will be held on March 8, 2025 at the VFW Post 9759, 2018 Windsor Rd., Loves Park beginning at noon. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made in Mark’s memory to the Alan J Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Foundation at their website, ajlynchfoundation.org or through the mail at 6615 Grand Ave Ste B PMB 415, Gurnee, IL 60031.