Mark Steece

Mark Steece, of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, peacefully passed away on March 19, 2026. He sadly missed his goal of reaching the age of 102 by just 10 short days. Mark was born in Parker, SD on March 29, 1924 to Fred and Alice (Gallagher) Steece. Imagine the changes in the world he witnessed during his 101 years! And, what an amazing life he led, and enduring legacy left behind. Our beloved Mark wore many hats during his time with us, being a son, a brother, an uncle, a husband, a father, a soldier, a business man, an avid reader, an ardent collector, and deeply devoted to his catholic faith, to name a few.

Mark was an entrepreneur from the age of 10 when he started selling newspapers during the Great Depression on a street corner in Sioux Falls, SD. As a young adult, he started a handicraft business with his brother, John. Steece Brothers Handicrafts was in business for several decades in Sioux Falls.

Mark loved and excelled at school, attending Cathedral Catholic School in Sioux Falls from 1st grade through 12th grade. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Augustana College in Sioux Falls. He maintained his love of learning throughout his life and was fondly thought of by those that knew him as a human encyclopedia. His knowledge and memory of dates, personal and historical, was extraordinary.

Mark served his country in World War II. He was inducted into the Army on May 6, 1943 at the age of 19. He served courageously in the 23rd Calvary, 16th Armored Division and spent time in Germany. He proudly assisted the military efforts that resulted in the liberation of the city of Pilsen, Czechoslovakia as the war ended. Mark received serval medals and citations for his bravery and service, including a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was wounded in combat and continued to serve after his release from the military hospital in Germany. He teased that his years as a boy scout in SD helped prepare him for his army service.

Mark started his post-war career with Pacific Indemnity in Los Angeles, CA and eventually joined Transamerica Insurance Company, as a safety engineer, where he worked for 35 years. Mark had

an incredible intellect, a curiosity for all subjects and could discuss topics as far ranging as organic chemistry that he learned in college 80 years ago to OSHA guidelines for facilities and equipment compliance required in his role as a safety engineer, an occupation generally requiring a bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering.

Mark was an avid stamp and vintage postcard collector; a hobby he developed as a young man working at his handicraft business. At one point later in his life, his collection of vintage postcards exceeded 50,000 cards! And, he could tell you a bit of history about them all. In addition to his hobbies, he loved to research family history and genealogy. He and his beloved wife, Jan, took many trips around the Midwest researching information at countless libraries, county town halls and cemeteries.

Mark valued serving others and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and his Army Division’s retiree organization, where he most recently served as President until his passing. One of his favorite service projects, was being a volunteer ‘waiter’ for fundraising events at local restaurants well into his 90’s.

Mark was very proud of his family legacy. He was blessed to have found true love twice in his lifetime. He married his first wife, Alida Garry in 1957, being introduced to her by his brother John’s wife; a friend of dear Alida’s. After becoming a widow, Mark met and fell in love again with Jeanette (Jan) Swan, meeting her at a singles gathering where Mark went just for the company. The night they met they talked in the parking lot of the church until the wee hours of the morning. They married in 1988.

Mark leaves behind a large family who valued his wit, wisdom, and strong moral compass in guiding his family along the path of life. His children include: son Tom (Kathleen) Steece; daughters: Kathy (Tim) Collier, Theresa (Scott) Secrest; step-daughters: Becky (Chris) Weber and Betsy (Tim) LePain. Grandchildren and step-grandchildren include: Sarah (Nick) Shirley, Emily (Dan) Uhls, David (Lilly) Steece, Nick Collier, Madison (Trevor) Van Loo, Rockwell Secrest, Drake (Lisa) Secrest, Tim (Andrea) LePain, Chris LePain, and Kate (Brett) Kelley. Great grandchildren and step-great grandchildren: Colt Uhls, Audrey Uhls, Noah Uhls, Lucas Steece, Julia Shirley, Josephine Shirley, Eloise VanLoo, Jack Kelley, Sam Kelley, William Kelley, Benjamin LePain, Andrew LePain, Maria LePain.

Mark was a “SuperAger”, having the cognitive abilities and memory of someone 30-40 years his junior. He suffered from Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed at 95, and he battled it with the same determination that characterized the rest of his life. As a result of this illness, he made the selfless and gracious gift of donating his brain to the Rush Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program in Chicago. His hope was to help researchers find a cause and cure for this terrible disease.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date to memorialize Mark and share stories of his amazing, almost 102 year journey.