Mark Mckittrick

On Sunday, September 17, 2023, Mark Steven McKittrick (AKA Pops/Poppy), age 65, of Milan, IL, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer, with his loving family by his side. He was born April 1, 1958, in Davenport, Iowa to Lorrena and Lawrence McKittrick. After his father’s passing, he was raised by his mom and wonderful stepfather James Bell.

Most would describe Mark as the most lovable grouch they had ever met (a title he was proud of). He was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and would drop anything to help friends and family (and his kids required it often). He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Pittsburgh Steeler fan! He enjoyed fishing, shooting pool with his brother, spending time with his family and friends, and attending his grandkids sporting events. Mark’s career as a cook spanned almost 30 years between Denny’s and Applebee’s. Mark was an excellent cook and baker, and his family always loved any delicious treats he made for them, especially the ones that were Christmas gifts! His favorite saying was “What’s this ‘we’ stuff, you got a turd in your pocket?”

In typical Mark fashion, there are no services planned, certainly no pomp and circumstance. A celebration of life for him will be held at Crabby’s Bar & Grill in Coal Valley, IL (where he played in a pool league every Sunday) on Thursday, September 21, from 4:00-8:00 pm. Anyone wanting to pay their respects to the family and share stories of Mark are welcome to attend.

He is survived by his wonderful wife of 32 years Cindy McKittrick, in addition to his children Charity (Dan) Sawyer, Stephanie (Jory) Punkiewicz, Tina McKittrick, Kim (Joe) Wood, Becky Jungwirth, Jeff (Brandy) Thompson. He was loved by his grandchildren Tristain, Jamie, Monica, Leon, Violet, Jasmine, Kara, Julien, Agnes, Alice, Ardis, Miracle, Ella, Jase, Zac, Evan, Morgan, Ryan, Collin, Derrek and Abbey and great-grandchildren Katrina and Eli, and several nieces and nephews. His siblings include sisters: Rose McKittrick, Jody Peeples, and Brenda (Larry) Hoerman, and brothers Lawrence "Hap" McKittrick, James (Barbara) Bell, Charles David McKittrick, and Rick (Lori) Bell, sister-in-law Traci Langstaff and brother-in-law Rick (Cindy) Holton.

He was preceded by his loving parents Lawrence McKittrick and Lorrena and James Bell, his parents-in-law Rick and Norma Holton, and sister-in-law Chris Johnson.

Memorials may be made to Unity Point Hospice in Mark’s memory or to the family.

Condolences may be left at www.mvcremation.com