Mark J. Powers, 60 of Ashland, WI died on December 28, 2018 after a lengthy struggle with muscular dystrophy. Born January 22, 1958 in Rockford, IL to Millard and Claire Powers. Mark was an avid outdoorsman who was happiest in the woods. He grew up in the Rockton area and graduated from Hononegah High School class of 1976. He moved to northern Wisconsin at age 20 and lived his last year in Rockton, IL with his mother because of failing health. Throughout his life, Mark was fascinated by reptiles and had quite a collection. As a teenager, he and his bother Mike started the reptile house at the Rockford Children's Farm and took their collection to local grammar schools to teach children to respect and not to be afraid of the reptiles. Up north he was a very talented taxidermist who did beautiful work. He enjoyed gardening and was a superb woodworker. He was last employed by Timeless Timber on Lake Superior in Wisconsin. Mark lived very simply and was a friend to many. He was loved and will be greatly missed by his family.

Survivors include: mother Claire Powers, siblings Nancy Okimoto, Thomas (Karen) Powers, Joanne (Ted) Iverson, Robert Powers, Patricia (Bruce) Holm and James Powers; numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his father Millard Powers; brother and sister in law Michael and Loni Powers.

A funeral mass was held Thursday January 3, 2019 in St Peter Catholic Church620 Blackhawk Blvd South Beloit, IL with Fr. Steven Sabo officiating.

Cremation Rites to be Accorded. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Rockton Fire Department EMT's.

McCorkle Funeral Home – Rockton Chapel 767 N Blackhawk Blvd Rockton IL assisted the family.

Published in Rockford Register Star from Dec. 31, 2018 to Jan. 2, 2019