Mark Loren Lillge

March 21, 1950 to June 5, 2025

I decided to write my own obituary, who knows me better than myself for what was important to me during my life?

I have been blessed in so many ways throughout my life. As with all of us, we have been through bad experiences over the years, but I want to focus on a few select positive aspects of my life.

No one could have more caring or loving parents, Loren and Elaine Lillge. They provided four children with everything they could and shared the deepest love for all of us. I am sure we were challenging at times like all children, but they knew how to handle each one of us to make us the best people we could become. I am blessed with one sister, Mary, and two brothers, Drew and Kevin.

I was blessed to have two amazing sons. I have so many fond memories of raising them and going on vacation together. They tolerated a job change when we moved to Carmel, IN and were overwhelmed when the opportunity came to move back to Appleton and be with family again. I worked at Appleton Papers for about 10 years when a new opportunity presented itself resulting in our move. But over time it became obvious I needed to get back to Appleton Papers where I retired in 2008. To this day many of my closest friends were fellow employees. We were a family.

I was fortunate in High School to develop a lifelong friendship with Tom Rigden, Dan Garvey, and Bob Mueller. Tom and I remained close friends until the end. Unfortunately, we lost Bob and Dan too early in life. Thank you, Tom, for being there for me for over 60 years.

Jason and I had a true passion for fishing all our lives, especially for stream trout. Many weekends were spent on the stream from sunrise to sunset. Despite having days with no catch, I recall one of my favorite discussions with Jason on a ride home. He said, “That was a great day Dad, thank you.” I responded, “but we didn’t catch anything.” His response was it didn’t matter; we had a fun time together.

Justin and Jason headed West after high school or college. Justin went to LA to work in the Entertainment industry and lived there for about 25 years. He moved back to Appleton to be with family again, which has been a real joy to have him home and reconnect. I am very proud of him.

Jason went to UNLV after high school and became incredibly successful in the hospitality industry. He and Chelsea blessed us with three granddaughters: Amiah, Elaina, and Mikayala. When they heard of my disease they didn’t hesitate to pack up the family, leave San Jose, CA, and be in Appleton to provide help and support. After many months I think I am finally getting over the guilt associated with them having to uproot their lives to be with me. Having them here with me, getting to know my granddaughters so well, has meant the world to me and has helped keep me positive during this battle. I could not have done it without them.

My wife Patty has been with me through every one of my cancer adventures. She has been by my side supporting me to keep up the good fight. Her family, the Van Camps, have been absolutely amazing. I’ve never been so blown away by the love, compassion, unselfishness, and caring. I would need several pages to share with you all they have done for us, God Bless each and everyone of you for being there for us.

A new chapter began on June 7th, 2019, when Patty and I married, and together we created a blended family. With this union, I was blessed with three additional children, their spouses and a grandson: Evan & Filloreta, Chloe & Jeff (Rooke), and Avery & Morgan. Family means everything to me, and my life was truly fulfilled when surrounded by those I love. Every moment spent together—big or small—was a gift I never took for granted.

This may seem strange to many, but I was passionate about dogs all my life. Each one played a big role in shaping my personality and caring for others. In order I had Rex, Link, Scruffy, George, Baron, Fuzzy, Kia, and Demi. Frankly I may have missed one or two along the way…the memory is failing. Nonetheless each one holds a very special place in my heart.

Incurable cancer hit me in August of 2024. I went through chemo, immunotherapy, brain radiation, etc. but it resulted in death anyway.

Memorial services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home Freedom Location, N3972 Columbia Ave., Freedom. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. A celebration of life will follow at Village Limits in Little Chute. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.