Mark S. Zon

Mark Stephen Zon, age 69 of Joliet, IL, passed away unexpectedly while traveling in Italy with family on October 14, 2026. He was born to his father Charles Zon and his mother Marianne Zon (née Music) in Joliet on October 23, 1956.

Mark began his education at St. Mary Nativity Catholic School before becoming a graduate of Lockport East High School as a member of the class of 1974. After high school, Mark graduated from Denver Automotive and Diesel College before he started working as a mechanic. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Carpenters Union Local #174 and worked as a carpenter and proud union member for over 30 years. His family and friends often found themselves awed by Mark’s ability to fix anything and everything. Mark married the love of his life, Cathy Shipla-Zon, on May 13,1989 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. The pair enjoyed 37 years of marriage together raising two wonderful children, Martin and Marissa, and ultimately becoming grandparents when their dear Sophie was born. Mark enjoyed many hobbies and interests outside of his career. He was a mechanic on a race team for five years and loved going to Lake Will to swim every summer. In retirement, he loved to travel, go to the gym, and talk with his many friends. He also participated in the Hot Rod Power Tour, and he loved to ski, especially in Colorado with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Marianne Zon; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Edward and June Shipla; as well as his sister-in-law Patricia Giacomi.

Mark is survived by his devoted wife Cathy Shipla-Zon; his children Martin Zon and Marissa (Cody) Rahmann; his pride and joy, granddaughter Sophie; brothers-in-law Frank (Kristine) Shipla and Edward Shipla; sister-in-law June Bass; nephews Joseph, Jacob and Lukas Shipla, and Dave Bass; and one great niece. Numerous extended family members, friends, and other loved ones also survive.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that any monetary donations to be offered in Mark’s name be directed to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/en/ or at 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435. All guests are invited to return to Tezak’s on the morning of Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 9:00 am for Chapel Prayers before we travel in procession to The Cathedral of Saint Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Ave Joliet, IL for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 am. Immediately following Mass, we will then process to Holy Cross Cemetery, 2201 Theodore St. Joliet, IL for a graveside Committal Service.