Mark F. Ingraham

ROCKFORD – Mark Flynn Ingraham, 58, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 25, 2022, after a long illness. He was born in Rockford, Illinois, on Friday, December 13, 1963, and attended John Nelson Elementary School, St. Bernadette Catholic School, and Boylan Central Catholic High School. Mark was an adorable little boy who appeared in the Rockford Morning (Register) Star on his 5 ^th birthday clutching a gingerbread cookie while sitting on Santa's lap and whispering in his ear. (See Photo Album). At the time, Mark was recovering from an operation to correct a hearing problem his mother had detected, which delayed his entry into kindergarten. Mark asked Santa for a set of toy horses and told him not to worry about Friday the 13th .

Mark grew up to become an avid music fan, car enthusiast, and fisherman. He also enjoyed going to pistol and rifle ranges to shoot his collection of firearms. His love of music and playing his guitar led him to become a sound engineer and stage manager for the band Shifty Shafer. He played an integral role in the band winning multiple RAMI (Rockford Area Music Industry) Awards and being nominated to the RAMI Hall of Fame. Mark also won three RAMI Awards for Stage Management of the band and he was often asked to serve as a sound engineer at multiple local venues when not working with Shifty Shafer. He will be missed by the Rockford Music Community.

Mark had a 40-year career as a master screen printer in and around Rockford and was employed by both Triad Graphics and Tom Harmer Athletic Equipment. He also previously owned his own t-shirt business called Rock Hard Tees.

Mark is survived by his longtime partner, Denise Stevens, his son, Justin Ingraham of Rockford, his siblings, Diane (Steve) Henry of Homewood, Deborah Ingraham of Chicago, and Kevin Ingraham of Rockford, and his niece and nephew, Michael Henry and Katherine Henry of Homewood. His parents, Larry W. and Mary Carol (McCarren) Ingraham, predeceased him.

Mark faced his illness with remarkable good humor, and the constant supportive messages he received during his treatment boosted his spirits and his will to live. On October 23, 2022, Mark's many friends and family gathered at Splitter's Bar & Grill for a live music benefit and celebration of his life. The event was lovingly organized by Mark's best friends, Rick and Theresa Aronica, and his "adopted" nephew, Ricky Aronica, who spent many hours recruiting local bands to play at the event and collecting donations for the silent auction. Mark dearly wanted to attend the event, but we are certain he is eternally grateful for the generosity of everyone who participated.

Mark's Family would like to thank the Aronica Family, all of the bands, musicians, local businesses, attendees, and others who donated to the benefit and to Mark directly, Splitter's Bar & Grill for hosting the event, Mark's medical staff at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, and OSF Hospice Care. They are especially grateful to Tom Harmer Athletic Equipment for the generosity and care its owners showed for their brother. And they thank Christenson Funeral Home for helping Mark with his arrangements and for their kindness to his sister after his passing . Mark will be missed by so many. Memorials may be sent to the family.