Mark C, Rush, 79, of Cherry Valley, IL left this earth surrounded in love from his family on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Mark was born in Chicago on November 18, 1942. He was the second born of five children and very special to his siblings and parents. The family relocated to Belvidere, IL when Mark was five. He went through all of his schooling in Belvidere, graduating in 1962. After graduation, Mark worked with his dad, Mark Rush Sr, at Rush Sheet Metal in Belvidere. He served in the Army from 1964-1966, and during that time was stationed in Germany. Upon return, Mark bought a farm in Belvidere to raise his racing pigeons and Arabian horses. If you knew Mark, you knew of his strong work ethic. He worked from sun up to sun down and never missed a meal. He was lucky his sister June set him up with his true love Deanna, as she was a great cook and not afraid of the farm life. They were married in 1973 and welcomed three children while at the farm. Mark provided well for his family, sharing with his children a love of being outdoors and raising animals. Mark worked at the Chrysler assembly plant in Belvidere, retiring there after 23 years. He and Deanna also spent many happy years in Caledonia, and Cherry Valley. He continued to raise his pigeons, attend the Boone County Fair annually, and look forward to visits with his children, grandchildren, siblings, and cousins. Time with his family was his highest joy. Always up for chatting, Mark loved to talk over a hot cup of black coffee and sweet treats. He would light up with a smile for all he encountered. His gentle spirit, strong hugs, and generous heart will be especially missed by those closest to him. Mark’s legacy is left behind in the kindness he displayed to many, and in the immense gratitude and happiness of his family, due to all the labor and love he provided to them. Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Deanna (Silberhorn) Rush of Cherry Valley; son, Mark (Tricia) Rush III of Kirkland; daughters, Kathryn Rush of Florida, Jennifer Rush of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Steven, Kalin, Megan, David, Korey, Kylie, Kason; sister, June (Rush) Smith of Georgia; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Mark Rush Sr, and June (Unger) Rush; sister, Marlene (Rush) Gritzmacher; brother, William Rush, David Rush; nephew Robert Rush. Mark’s memorial services will be a private gathering of family and friends. If you would like to make a donation in his honor, donations can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.