Mark S. Zukley, age 58, of Munster, Indiana, was born on May 14, 1965 and passed away on January 12, 2024. He grew up in Lansing, IL, a community he considered to be his extended family. While attending Thornton Fractional South High School, he excelled in basketball and was a state level golf player. Mark later attended the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where he was athletic scholar. He also served as captain of the Ranger basketball team and in his humble way, Mark rarely mentioned that he set school records for scoring and rebounding. Once earning a BA in Communications, Mark moved on to play professional basketball in Freiberg, West Germany. Although he never became fluent in the German language, he mastered the game of backgammon there.

Upon his return to the USA, Mark became a skilled contractor, working tirelessly to establish his own business. He is well-known throughout the Calumet Region for his quality work, integrity, and concern for his customers. Those who knew Mark would describe him as fun, kind, often silly and always generous. Despite his many talents, Mark constantly said his children were his finest accomplishment and it was his privilege to love and mentor his five sons. Mark was the sixth of nine Zukley children. He cherished his family and they cherished him. His home was a happy sanctuary for all friends and family--peaceful, pleasant, and filled with laughter.

Surviving are his parents, Clara (Zukley) Gasunas of Munster, IN, Frank T. Zukley of Calumet City, IL; his children, Zachary of Munster, IN, and Xavier, Zekiel, and Zebediah of Hammond, IN; his beloved partner Kristi (MacNeill) Wasowicz; sisters, Sharon (Corey) Motel of Glen Ellyn, IL, Karen Macellari of Granger, IN, Susan Black of Naples, FL, and Kristen Zukley-Morgan of Manhattan Beach, CA; brothers, Michael Zukley and Ronald Zukley of Doylestown, PA, and Allen (Kerrie) Zukley of Munster, IN. He was an adored uncle to 28 nieces and nephews and regarded his dear friends Igor Suslov and Dennis DiSanto as brothers. Mark was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Zukley, and his son Aaron Zukley.

Visitation and viewing will be from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, January 18, 2024, with viewing and liturgy from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Rd., Lansing, IL. Arrangements are managed by Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, (219) 362-3100. In lieu of flowers, the family would like those who knew him to share a pleasant memory of Mark.