Updated August 18, 2008, 5:13 p.m. with funeral arrangements for Mayor Stricker
Matteson, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Matteson Mayor Mark W. Stricker died of an apparent heart attack early Sunday morning. According to Matteson Trustee Andre Ashmore, Stricker was at home with wife Saturday night and was not feeling well. The couple called paramedics and Stricker reportedly died en route to St. James in Olympia Fields.
According to Director of Business Initiatives at St. James Hospital Beth Sullivan, Mayor Stricker was brought to the Emergency Department Saturday evening and passed away at approximately 1:17 a.m. Sunday.
"As we mourn his loss, we remember his many, many years of service," Ashmore said. "Has been an icon. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Charlotte, his children, grandchildren, and his entire family."
Park Forest Mayor John Ostenburg expressed his sympathy for the family and the Village of Matteson, "Mark was an exemplary municipal leader whose experience and judgment were assets to the entire south suburban region. The loss of his numerous contributions to our area will be felt for years to come. I am saddened by his passing and extend deepest condolences to his wife, to his family, and to the citizens of Matteson, whom he served so very well for so many years."
Richton Park Mayor Rick Reinbold remembered Stricker’s friendship, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mayor Stricker and offer my condolences to Mayor Stricker’s wife Char, his family, and the entire Village of Matteson. The region has lost a dedicated leader, and I’ve lost a friend."
Stricker served on the Board of Education for School District 159 before become a Village Trustee in Matteson. He was first elected Mayor in 1981 and served in that position until he died Sunday. He was 72.
The funeral arrangements for Mayor Mark Stricker are as follows:
Wake: Thursday, August 21, 2008
2:00PM to 9:00PM
Hirsch’s Lincolnway Chapel
3501 Lincoln Highway
Matteson, IL 60443
708-748-8031
Funeral: Friday, August 22, 2008
10:00AM
Hirsch’s Lincolnway Chapel
3501 Lincolnway Chapel
Matteson, IL
According to Village Manager Tom Mick, the flags on the Village Green and at the south entrance of Village Hall in Park Forest will be at half-staff for the remainder of this week in memory of Mayor Stricker.
Editor’s Note: The original time of death provided by St. James Hospital was 11:30 a.m. eNews Park Forest received a call early afternoon on August 18 with a time of death of 1:17 a.m.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
