TUCSON, Ariz. - Mark Franklin Meisgeier, 51, of Tucson, Ariz., expired peacefully Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Casa De La Luz hospice, surrounded by family members. In typical fashion Mark fought his four-year battle with melanoma cancer valiantly and courageously to the very end.

Mark was born in Elgin, Ill., on May 17,1958, to Rita Meisgeier McKinnon of Tucson, and Gil Meisgeier of Portage. Mark and younger brother Chris grew up at the family's hilltop home in the woods, next to the Illinois Chain of Lakes. The boys enjoyed their formative years surrounded by horses, boats, snowmobiles, farm animals, spending time on the lakes, in the barn, their gym, den and dad's workshop. Mark attended Lotus grade school and Grant High School in Fox Lake, Ill. He was an outstanding athlete in wrestling and football, having garnered all state recognition in both. Mark was offered numerous college scholarships in both sports accepting an offer in football in the warm climes and strong tradition at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). A serious injury to his ankle during his freshman year cut short his football career. At age 22, Mark was the driving force behind the family entering the entertainment business, first creating in 1980, Rock It North, a dance Club in Salem, which Mark, brother Chris and dad managed. Shortly thereafter, the family opened a second club, Horsin' Around Country Club, also in Salem, managed by brother Chris. In 1985, the family opened Memories Museum Supper Club, on the site of Rock-It North, which the family had remodeled into a unique destination, dining and entertainment facility. Mark continued to assist the family with the management of Memories, until entering the field of automotive sales. Known as the "Big Guy," Mark moved up the ranks in auto sales at several auto dealerships in Lake County, Ill., and Arizona. Mark's outstanding knowledge, sales abilities and charisma in the industry led ultimately to his being sought after to become the business and finance manager at Buddy Gregg Motor Homes in Lewisville/Dallas, Texas, one of the top, luxury motor coach dealerships in the nation. Mark worked there until his final diagnosis.

Mark commuted to his Texas home and position, from the Tucson ranchette he loved so much, located at the edge of the Saguaro National Park surrounded by mountain vistas. Mark and Diane Heard wed April 1, 1989, in Spring Grove, Ill. Together they had two children, Shauna, now 18 and Monica, 15. The family moved to Arizona in 1996. Mark loved traveling, especially trips with his daughters to Alaska, Mexico and across the country visiting relatives and friends. Aside from his home, horses, Harley and Hummer, he also loved blue cheese stuffed olives in his martinis, a fine dinner, a good cigar and of course, Da Bears!

Survivors include his daughters, Shauna and Monica of Gilbert, Ariz.; his mother, Rita McKinnon of Tucson; father, Gil Meisgeier and his partner, Carolyn Roberts of Portage; brother, Chris and wife, April and daughters, Taylor, Alex and Reagan of Queen Creek, Ariz.; maternal grandmother, Virginia Garbie of Hickory Hills, Ill.; Lucy Ruiz, Mark's beloved companion of Tucson; aunts, Arlene (Mick) Davey, Sue Garbie and Carolyn Garbie; uncles, Lem Garbie, Dick Garbie and George Davey; Garbie family cousins, Tony, Chris, Karen, Kimberly, Angela, Lisa and Craig; Meisgeier family cousins, Jeff, Karen, Liz and Terry; many, many friends across the country; and ex-wives, Diane Heard of Gilbert, Ariz., and Trish Thomas, Vancouver, British Columbia. Mark was preceded in death by an infant sister, Heidi Jo; paternal grandparents, Elizabeth Meisgeier and Albin F. Meisgeier; maternal grandfather, Rich Garbie and aunts Gloria (Meisgeier) Brown and Gloria Granata.

Two celebrations of Mark's life were planned. The first was held at Mark's ranchette Saturday, June 20 in Tucson. Over 100 friends and relatives gathered for the celebration.

The second celebration is scheduled to take place at noon July 25, 2009, in Illinois, at Port of Blarney Resort, located at 27843 Grass Lake Road, 4.5 miles west of highway 59 between Antioch and Fox Lake, Ill. Comments and anecdotes of Mark's life will be encouraged. Complimentary food and beverages will be served. Call Gil Meisgeier 608-742-5054 for information. All friends and relatives are invited to attend the joyous event. Any guest wishing to stay overnight, discounted rooms are available at the Comfort Inn. Please mention Blarney Island, (847) 395-3606.

"A desire to be remembered as a good father."