70, of Macomb
Mark Ford Shryack, 70, of Macomb Illinois, passed away on June, 17, 2025, at his home. He was born October 18, 1954 in Macomb, IL to Ford Ervin and Elaine (Hamilton) Shryack. He married Ginger Rose Landmann on April 27, 1985 at Argyle Lake State Park in Colchester, IL; She survives.
Also surviving are three children, Samuel Shryack of Moab, Utah; Gus Shryack (Amanda Eldrdige) of Seattle, Washington; Grace Shryack (Tariq Minor) of Columbia, Missouri., one sister, Margo Shryack-Pagh (Ejner) of Rockford, IL., 4 nieces and 4 nephews.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Kyna Matula, and his parents. He was also preceded in death by some of his very dearest friends Rick, “Shag,” “Fred,” “Moondog,” Chauncey and Joe with whom he would often get a “wild hair.”
He was a graduate of the Macomb High School class of 1973 where he participated in the Ag program and played basketball where he earned the nickname “Merv.” He was a “Jack of all Trades” and had a plethora of jobs over the years. In addition to assisting his father in building the family home, he delivered for the Peoria and Macomb papers, and worked at Argyle State Park, Woo’s Chopped Suey, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Watson Seed Farms, Brody Westen, Adam’s Wholesale, Wilde’s Wholesale, Tom & Ski’s, Harper’s Bazaar, NTN Bowers, Ford Motor Company garage, Holiday Inn, Eagle Foods, Culligan Water, Builders Supply, The Broken Rule, and in rental renovations and maintenance. He worked for the Macomb School District in maintenance, grounds and custodial for 35 years, retiring in 2013. He then worked part time for the City of Macomb’s Oakwood Cemetery for 10 years until June 2023.
Mark loved the outdoors and some of his most treasured moments were camping and exploring. He was always game for an adventure and will be remembered for his creativity and quick wit, which sometimes got him in trouble, but led to some very interesting experiences and entertaining stories. He lived his life by the motto,”Because I Can.” He took immense pleasure in watching the Packers play on Sundays with his Bear fan friends, a bonfire, and a huge bowl of homemade chili. When things weren’t going his way, he would try to turn his mindset around by saying, “Any day above ground is a good day.” A sentiment which we should all take to heart.
Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home will be assisting the family, Mark is donating his body to science. A celebration of life is being planned for October (he called it Marktober), 18, 2025, which would have been his 71st birthday.. Time and place yet to be determined.
Memorials can be made in Mark’s name to the Illinois Cancer Care Foundation or MDH Foundation in Hospice.
You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.
