Richard Marks

Richard Marks

August 07, 1951 - September 14, 2023

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Obituary

MADISON - Richard A. “Rick” Marks, age 72, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. He was born on Aug. 7, 1951, in Madison, Wis., the son of Alan and Lydia (Steele) Marks.


Rick graduated from LaFollette High School in the class of 1969 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Physical Geography from UW-Eau Claire. He married the love of his life, Debra Parkin Marks, on Aug. 19, 1978, in Brillion, Wisconsin. They met while working together at Phillips Department Store.


Rick worked as a Return Drug Specialist for Walgreens for over 35 years, retiring in 2017. He had a love for the outdoors, especially camping, searching for unique rocks, hiking and nature photography. He served as a Little League coach for his sons, as well as a Den Leader, a Scout Leader and a Troop Leader. Rick was a Geography Advisor to the Four Lakes Council of Boy Scouts.


Rick was also an avid golfer who loved to follow the local legends such as Steve Stricker, Andy North and Jerry Kelly.  He was a huge fan of the Brewers, the Packers and Badgers athletics. He adored his canine companions, Kenzie and Gracie, and took them to the dog park twice daily. He also enjoyed discussing sports and music trivia, particularly music from the 60s and 70s.


Rick is survived by his wife, Debra; sons, Christopher Marks (Rosalind Greiert) and Alexander Marks (Renee Kirch); sister, Karen (Michael) Delott; golden retreivers, Kenzie and Gracie; two sisters-in-law, Danette (Terry) Eiting and Diane (fiancé, Paul Luebke) Parkin; and brothers-in-law, Dean Parkin and Darryl (Shirley) Parkin. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Jane (Medric "Buck”) Parkin; father-in-law, Buck Parkin, father-in-law, Gene Behnke; sister-in-law, Sandy Parkin; and brother-in-law, Doug Parkin. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.


A celebration of life is being planned; details will follow.


Memorials may be made in Rick’s name to the Dane County Humane Society, Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin or any local humane shelter. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



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BT
Bob Thornton
Other •
Rick was a great guy, fun to chat with! Every year he would come to visit me at the Gem and Mineral show in Madison. I kept him supplied with specimens to share with his scouts. We will miss him!
GS
George Senger
Other •
I worked with Rick for years in the RX ReturnsDept. We had many discussions, and a lot of laughs. I never new anyone that new more about trivia than him.Rick was a good worker and all around good guy. He will be missed by all who knew him at Walgreens.
L1
LaFollette High School Class of 1969
Other •
The LaFollette High School Class of 1969 remembers Rick as an athlete and a good friend to many. May your memories of him bring you much comfort and May Rick Rest In Peace.
KT
Kevin Thomas
Other •
I must have known Rick for close to 30 years at Walgreens. A great person and pleasure to work with. There would always be some point in the day when I would stop for a short chat with Rick or overhear a conversation he was having with someone nearby. Those were good minutes of the workday that could lift you up and keep you going. My condolences to his family and friends.
MP
Marcia Park
Other •
I worked with Rick at Walgreens. He was a wonderful person and a pleasure to have worked with him . My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rest in peace Rick.
M
Marge
Other •
Rick, or as I knew him-Link, was a good friend at UWEC. He had a great dry sense of humor and a devotion to early 70s music. We could always count on him to be sensible when maybe the rest of us were questionable. I will definitely raise a glass in his memory. I’m sure he was a wonderful spouse and dad. May your memories be a source of comfort. He was truly one of the “good guys.” Marge (McNulty) Weichelt

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