Mark A. Jesernig

Mark Jesernig - the man, the myth, the legend died peacefully in his home Tuesday August 18, 2015. His legacy is carried on by his wife, Karen, his two children, Andrew and Amy, and his two surviving siblings, Paul and Anne. As well as a plethora of extended family of friends and relations from every walk of life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Patricia, and his sister Catherine. Known as a world class problem solver (and possibly an international spy), Mark’s helping hand reached far and wide. Map Quest once tried to launch a satellite-powered platform to help directionally challenged people get around, but failed because the technology was vastly inferior to Mark’s atlas-like knowledge. The number of times he has (patiently) given directions to friends and family, in this state or another, is both staggering and innumerable. A truly and utterly selfless man, Mark was there to help when there was car trouble, deal with a flooded basement, ‘supervise’ his kid’s many moves, be with a friend’s grieving family in a time of need, build a catapult for a school project the night before, shovel driveways, pick out the perfect appetizers at dinner or be a tour guide in a place that he’s never actually been to. Although he might not admit it, his heart was large and doing things for others was a pastime that he was very, very good at. Meticulously organized and prepared for anything is certainly an understatement. Not one to care a whole lot about what others thought, Mark often carved out his own path…..Whether that was buying a Corvette, fixing it up but refusing to paint it because “that way nobody else will want to steal it”, or running off to the airport down the street to take flying lessons and get his pilot’s license. Mark began working at Standard Motor Products in 1986, and never left the company. Mark met his wife, Karen, while the two of them were working at Venture in Downers Grove, IL. They married September 22nd, 1984. He was a loving and supportive husband, and he was a hero to his two children, Andrew and Amy. His lessons were never short on sarcasm, and we were all blessed to love, know and learn from Mark. A short tribute to my dad. I love you, Andrew In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family.