Mark V. Lewandowski Obituary
On March 26, 2026, Mark Vincent Lewandowski passed away in his home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was born on July 13th, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Fr. Theodore and Patricia (Mulligan) Lewandowski. Mark was the middle child between two sisters—which, as he would probably tell you, is exactly why he turned out both stubborn and a bit of a perfectionist.
Mark graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1984 and then Millikin University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Commercial Music in 1988. He married his college sweetheart, Anna, on May 11, 1991, at St. Catherine Church in Milwaukee. A few years later, they welcomed their only child, Isabelle, who quickly became one of the greatest joys—and proudest accomplishments—of his life.
Mark worked as a Regional Sales Manager for many years across different companies. In a most recent role at Haydon Corporation, he led a sales team in the distribution of metal framing, rooftop supports, and heating systems.
Music, though, was where Mark truly came alive. Over three decades, he played in various bands, primarily on bass and vocals—though saying he played "over 12 instruments" feels like an understatement. If it made sound, there was a good chance he could figure it out. He performed with Ballet Chicago, The Ruth Page Ballet, the Chicago Lyric Opera, and alongside incredible musicians like George Daugherty, Conti Condoli, Steve Turre, Stanley Jordan, and Mel Tormé. He also played with Cold Sweat and The Brew City Horns and led his own groups including Crosstalk and Groove Towne and Ain't Misbehavin'.
His music took him around the world—to Germany, France, Italy, and Aruba—and to places like Walt Disney World and Six Flags Great America. And while those are impressive stages, anyone who knew Mark knows he didn't need a big venue to perform—he brought that same energy whether it was a packed audience or just whoever happened to be in the room.
Outside of music, Mark had a long list of passions. He loved riding and collecting Vespas and scooters—which, depending on who you ask, was either a hobby or a full-time lifestyle. And if something needed tuning, adjusting, or improving, Mark was on it—because, of course, he wasn't going to leave anything less than just right. He enjoyed arcade and video games, yard work and gardening, and cheering on the Brewers and Packers with the kind of loyalty that didn't waver, even when maybe it should have. He loved going to the movies, trying new breweries, collecting antiques, visiting supper clubs, camping in Door County, and boating in Waupaca.
Mark didn't just have hobbies—he fully committed to them. If he liked something, he didn't dip a toe in—he dove in headfirst, learned everything about it, and probably perfected it along the way.
He is survived by his daughter, Isabelle (Jack) DuBois; his sisters, Anne (Jay) Kobitter and Cathy Lewandowski; and his nieces and nephews, Tom and Emma Kobitter, William (Emma Heemstra) Ramach, Samuel Ramach, Kathryn Ramach, and Elaine Johnson. He will also be deeply missed by many friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles—many of whom likely have their own favorite "Mark story.". Special thanks to Michele Arms & Jim Hirsch, Doug & Nancy Lady and John & Karen Podlasek for their love and support.
He is preceded by his parents and wife, Anna (Arms) Lewandowski.
There will be a mass on May 30th at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford, IL, at 11:00 AM for both Mark and Anna (Arms) Lewandowski followed by a burial and celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Wisconsin Humane Society.
