Mark Walter Klausner, 76, of Galena, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 8, 2025. Born on May 12, 1949, in Chicago to Felix and Irene (Galin) Klausner, Mark graduated from Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights in 1967, where he excelled as a varsity football player and wrestler. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University in 1971 and an MBA from St. Ambrose University in 1998. On August 15, 1970, Mark married Kathleen Patricia Klausner (née Hunter) at St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church in Markham, IL. He grew up in Riverdale, IL, and later raised his family in Aurora, IL. Mark was an Eagle Scout and cherished time spent golfing, boating, woodworking, attending sporting events, and playing poker with his brothers, sons, and nephews. Mark and Kathy enjoyed traveling together, with cruising being his favorite way to see the world. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan—despite growing up on the south side, Mark was thrilled to witness the Cubs win the World Series. He was a dedicated and successful businessman, owning and operating several area businesses, most notably Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena. Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; his six children: Mark Klausner, Amy (Damon) Sealock, Matthew Klausner, Beth (Brad) Elstad, Megan (Brandon) Weis, and Erin (Bear) Wegener; and ten grandchildren: Connor Solfisburg, Madison Weis, Cassidy Sealock, Austin Weis, Gavin Klausner, Ethan Sealock, Grant Klausner, Charlie Wegener, Keelin Wegener, and Delaney Elstad. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Klausner. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena. Following the mass, a Celebration of Life will take place at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa (444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena, IL) until 3 PM, with a share time starting at 1:15 PM. The burial of his cremated remains will occur later. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. Donations can be made to Hospice of Dubuque at https://hospiceofdubuque.org/donation
Mark W. Klausner
Mark was an excellent leader. I enjoyed thinking and partnering with him in the best interest of our community and am an avid patron on Eagle Ridge Resort, especially their excellent restaurants, Woodlands and Highlands. I will always remember one of the last meetings that Mark and staff had with the Galena Territory Association staff and select board members, urging us to take this collaboration and partnership to another level! We are a NEW GTA because of Mark, God Bless!!!
It was a pleasure working for Mark. I watched him pour his heart and soul into making Eagle Ridge a better place!
I will miss his walk thru’s and asking how is it going, is there anything you need. Always with a smile on his face.
Mark truly cared and was a man of his word.
God bless you Mark Klausner
You will be missed!
Mark Klausner Will truly be missed. Sending prayers to Kathy Klausner and there beautiful family.
Sorry for your loss. 🙏♥️
We were the best of friends. Unpretentious, simply sharing dinners at each others homes and enjoying the company of each other and our spouses. Mark was a big fan of my artwork humbly saying he couldn’t do what I do. He made me believe it was good and even hung some of my paintings at Highlands. What an honor. We will miss his sense of humor, his generosity, and the fun we shared. R.I.P.
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Mark. Remembering the many years as neighbors in Cherry Hills and the Westwind pool. Your whole family is in my prayers during this sad time.
When Mark was healthy, he frequently stopped by to say hello to his patrons and friends at Woodlands Restaurant. What a special touch it was to those of us that love our favorite neighbor-hood hangout. He also consistently made improvements to Eagle Ridge properties that were noted and appreciated by the association. He will be fondly remembered. Condolences to his family.
Don and Sandy Gervais
It was my pleasure to work for mark he was a very nice person. He will be missed. Marks family has my condolences RIP
Mark was a special friend. We met near a wrestling match. We shared time at local runs and fitness gatherings. Life was centered on children and celebrating their activities. That priority kept us close. Each of my sons remembers Mark prioritizing their participation and success. God Bless Mark Klausner and his family.
Rich and Nancy Mittman
Kathy and family, we are so sorry hearing of your loss, Mark will be missed. We have enjoyed our friendship for many years through Cherry Hill and Galena. We have fond memories of Mark and we still remember talking to Mark at our 50th shortly after he purchased Galena Ridge and how proud he was, filled with ideas to make that great club even better. Mark was always a down to earth person and easy to talk with, easy to be friends with. I know our son maintains contact with Mark Jr, that’s how special the relationship of our families has been for so many years. Our prayers are with you.
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, AUGUST 8, 2025
MY DEAREST MARK;
THERE IS NOT A DAY WHERE OUR FAMILY DOES NOT THINK OF YOU, MARK & KATHY !!!
OUR THOUGHTS, PRAYERS & LOVE 💕 ARE ALWAYS WITHIN, YOUR SPIRITUAL PRESENCE.
AND, AMONST ALL YOUR EXTRAORDINARY & COUNTLESS ACCOMPLISHMENTS ALONG WITH, YOUR BEAUTIFUL SIX CHILDREN & TEN GRANDCHILDREN:
FOR, ON AUGUST 15, 2025 ANOTHER AMAZING MILESTONE & GREATEST GIFT 💝 WILL HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED & RECOGNIZED BETWEEN YOU & KATHY;
55 YEARS OF MARRIAGE;
660 MONTHS OF HUGS
2,869 WEEKS OF HAPPINESS
20,089 DAYS OF TOGETHERNESS WITH KATHY
482,136 HOURS OF LOVE 💕
ONE BELOVED FAMILY: SIX CHILDREN & TEN GRANDCHILDREN
AN ETERNITY OF HAPPY MEMORIES:
YOUR UNBELIEVABLE & BREATHTAKING:
55TH WEDDING 💒 ANNIVERSARY
CONGRATULATIONS:
🎉 🍾🎈🎊
ON YOUR TRULY UNIQUE “ONE IN A KIND JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE:
DOWN, “THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED,”
ALONG WITH, A NEVER ENDING LOVE 💗 STORY !!!
.”
SO, IN CLOSING MARK;
GIVEN THAT WE HAVE SYMBIOTICALLY, SHARED SO MANY SIMILARITIES IN LIFE,
ONE OF MY GREATEST BLESSINGS IS THAT GOD WAS SO GRACIOUS TO UNITE US, IN FRIENDSHIP.
FOR, WITHIN MY LIFETIME, HAVING TURNED SEVENTY-ONE (71) YEARS OF AGE, YESTERDAY, AUGUST 7, 2025
AND, HAVING THE PRIVILEGE TO HAVE BEEN THERE WHEN “EAGLE RIDGE”
AND, THESE SACRED GROUNDS WERE CHRISTENED ON, JULY OF 1973;
AND, HAVING BEEN HONORED TO HAVE CONTIGUOUS HOMES/PROPERTIES/LAND SINCE 1988,
EAGLE 🦅 RIDGE & THE GALENA TERRITORY HAS ALWAYS “REMAINED, IN YOUR & MY HEART WHERE, OUR SOULS WILL REMAIN CONNECTED.
FOR, I DO PRAY 🙏 FOR YOU MARK EACH & EVERYDAY THAT PERHAPS, WE HAVE BEEN ANOINTED FROM ABOVE TO CARRY ON, YOUR “LIVING LEGACY,”
INTO THE FUTURE & WITH GOD’s WILLINGNESS, INTO “GENERATIONAL PERPETUITY ON BEHALF OF YOU, YOUR FANILY & THE GALENA COMMUNITY, AT LARGE.
PLEASE 🙏 KNOW MARK, THAT YOUR “WELL-BEING HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY NUMBER ONE PRIORITY & WILL ALWAYS, REMAIN SO !!!
WHICH, IS WHY MY FOCUS DURING OUR FRIENDSHIP & COMMUNICATIONS HAS ALWAYS BEEN, TO EVOKE, LAUGHTER, JOY, HARMONY,
ALONG WITH A BEAUTIFUL APPRECIATION OF “LIFE, LOVE & THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS”
WHILE, SIMULTANEOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGING OUR BLESSINGS & DEVOUT GRATITUDE 🙏TOWARDS GOD.
VERY RESPECTFULLY YOURS,
RICKI, ROBERT ALLAN, KAI, USHER & I FOREVERMORE,
ALLAN ROBERT ETTINGER
Mark was a man of great integrity, honest and down to earth. When I wrote to him recently, having heard about the return of his cancer, I didn’t expect a reply; I simply wanted to tell him thanks and let him know that the example he’d set, and the encouragement he had given me meant a great deal personally, and always would. But he wrote back and instead of focusing on what he was facing, he wrote words of gratitude and also more words of encouragement and support. I knew him only briefly but knew him as a kind man, who will be dearly missed. Prayers and love to Kathy and the family.
Mark was not only a kind person who cared so much about his family and his community, but a daring businessman who has left his footprints all over. We will miss him.
Mark and I went to high school together, graduating in 1967 from Marian Catholic H.S. in Chicago Heights. Mark was an outstanding football player, he wore #42 as he pounded out yards as a fullback. We used to pump iron together in the basement of his house in Riverdale. He was also a noted wrestler but most of all he was a very dear and devoted friend. I only wish we could have spent more time together.
R.I.P my friend and please save a place in Heaven for your old buddy.
We are saddened to learn of Mark’s passing, and grateful for what he has done over the years helping our Galena Territory in many ways.
God Bless you Kathy & family.
Neighbor
Oh Mark,
We will remember you – especially as a neighbor.
You shared with us – tenacity can be found on a wrestling mat.
You humbly said – you learned love from a woman named Kathy.
You counselled us – wisdom and patience can from our children.
You proudly served your God displaying moral courage
and never forgot the merit badges earned as an Eagle Scout.
Your South Suburban roots did not deter you
From choosing Northside Cubs over White Sox.
How blessed we were when you bought into the neighborhood
and became the caring neighbor any neighbor hopes for.
You will be missed.
You will be remembered for bringing glory days to Eagle Ridge.
We thank you for your stewardship and love to our neighborhood.
John Hudetz / 8-28-2025
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mark’s passing earlier this month.
I first met Mark only a few years ago when I returned home one day, and found Mark’s car in our driveway and discovered Mark inspecting a few unique features I had previously designed for our property over the years.
We quickly “hit it off” and discovered that he and I had many interests in common, not the least of which was our deep affection for the people and land of the Galena Territory and Eagle Ridge. We also discovered our shared love of travel and our children and grandchildren are roughly the same age.
At the time Mark and I met, my wife and I had been owners for over 30 years. Of all the properties we visit around the globe, it has always been our pleasure each year to return to Galena and Eagle Ridge for the Summer Season and reconnect with the land and the people.
Over time during the course of the year, I enjoyed hearing from Mark with an inquiry or an email or phone call with a question or simply seeking an opinion or perspective.
Mark was always generous, and we often enjoyed a meal and conversation together in one of the dining establishments on the grounds. He was undeniably and deservedly very proud of his role in guiding and improving Eagle Ridge, The Territory and the Region. It was easy to see that he cared deeply for all the employees and staff and from what I could observe, the feeling was mutual. I think that is what being a good leader is all about and Mark clearly embraced that philosophy.
The last time Mark and I met in person occurred last Summer. He had some questions and invited me to join him and Cathy for breakfast in his home. We discussed our families and future plans and agreed that we all would plan to get together on our return for the Season in 2025.
As the old aphorism goes, “People plan. . .God laughs.” I was profoundly dismayed to learn, in an email he sent to me on our return to the Territory this Spring, that Mark’s health had deteriorated .
May your memory, Mark, be a blessing to Cathy and family, and friends.
So very sorry Kathy for your loss! You and I were in the class of 68 at Marian! I remember Mark from wrestling and football! I was a team manager with him and we were friends! Both you and Mark were class acts. Wish you the best and may Mark rest in peace!