Mark Huber

Mark Huber, 66, of Bonita Springs, Florida and formerly of Havana, Illinois passed away on July 15, 2022 at his home. Mark was born April 2, 1956 at Canton, Illinois, the son of Robert and Louise (Stufflebeam) Huber. He married Deedee Peterson, and they have one daughter, Cassie (Juan Antonio) Rodriguez, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and one grandson Joaquin Antonio. He later married Kathy Hartman. Also surviving are three brothers, Randall Huber of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Daniel Huber of Bonita Springs, Florida, Dave (Jeanny) Huber of Chatham, Illinois, and one sister, Jennifer (Jerry) Cekander of Mahomet, Illinois. He is also survived by the many members of his extended Huber Family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mark graduated from Havana High School in his hometown of Havana, Illinois where he was a stand-out athlete in basketball, baseball and football. He later studied Criminal Justice at Illinois State University at Normal, Illinois and at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. While at ISU, Mark excelled as a pitcher for the Redbirds, and following his senior season, he ranked third in career earned run average and first in career wins. He was inducted into the ISU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004. Following his career at ISU, Mark signed as a free agent with the Chicago White Sox. Mark also played for the Eau Claire Cavaliers baseball team from 1978 through 1985 during which time he was involved in numerous community service activities.

Mark was a long-time professional golf caddie on the PGA, LPGA and Champions Tours, working with such notable players as Phil Blackmar, Larry Rinker, Raymond Floyd, Doug Tewell, Bob Murphy, and Bob Gilder. Mark was highly respected for his work on and off the golf course, and the Huber family fish fries became legendary among players and caddies alike. Later in life, Mark also became an accomplished writer, during which time he published a number of blogs and articles, including his popular KaddieKorner blog. While living in Bonita Springs, Mark worked for the Bonita Bee, driving cars to/from the airport sharing his knowledge of all the good spots in the area to travelers from across the country.

In Late 2017, Mark was diagnosed with Triple-hit Lymphoma, a serious form of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. While the prognosis was not good, with the help and support of family and friends, Mark courageously beat this illness and was able to return to work on the PGA Tour. Fighting and beating Lymphoma was a true testament to just how strong he was.

As good an athlete and competitor as he was, Mark was an even better friend. He would go to any length to help someone in need, and he always did it out of the spotlight. Despite his many successes in life, Mark remained very humble about his accomplishments, preferring to just visit about good times and good friends. Mark never knew a stranger, and for that reason, he has countless friends all across the country. And he never forgot his roots, traveling back to the Havana area whenever possible to visit friends and family, and to attend the annual Huber-fest in Easton. There is indeed sadness at a time such as this, and we will greatly miss Mark, but we also know that he would want us to carry on and remember the good times.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 12 from 4:00-6:00pm at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana, Illinois. The Huber Family will have a private family service at Hurley Funeral Home & Easton Cemetary. A Celebration of Life will be held at Mark's favorite watering hole, The Stag Tap at 106 N. Plum, Havana, Illinois at 4:00pm. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mark Huber Memorial Fund to help cover funeral expenses and other needs of the family. Donations can be sent to: 306 Eagle Ridge Dr Chatham, IL 62629. Hurley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.