Mark Alan Ericson, 64, of East Galesburg, passed away suddenly of natural causes in his home on May 25, 2025.
Mark was born on June 24, 1960, in Kewanee IL. He was the son of Raundle “Ron” and Carol (Lindstrum) Ericson, both of whom preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Wethersfield High School; earned an Associate’s Degree in Agriculture from Black East College; Bachelor of Science Degrees in both Agriculture Education and Secondary Education from Illinois State University; a Master of Science Degree in Agriculture from the University of Illinois; and a Master of Science Degree in Education from Western Illinois University.
Mark was the science and agriculture teacher in the Knoxville School District for 34 years, retiring in 2016; and continued substitute teaching for the school district. Although he loved horticulture and gardening, vacationing (particularly Florida), his cats, the Chicago Cubs and Illini sports; his real passion was teaching. He was an active member in the Illinois Education Association (IEA), Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers (IAVAT), and FFA (Section 4 and State). Among other leadership roles, Mark was President of the Knoxville Education Association for over 25 years, FFA Section 4 Public Relations Chair and a Section 4 Advocacy Representative.
Mark is survived by two older brothers – Stephen (Susan) Ericson of Campton Hills, IL, and Brent (Véronique) Ericson of Ann Arbor, MI.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Services will be held at a later date in the Knoxville area. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory are assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial gifts may be made to Galesburg Community Foundation for benefit of the Mark Ericson Memorial Fund which will provide support to the Knoxville School District Agriculture and FFA programs. Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at https://www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
