Mark Gordon O’Rourke, 44, of Wilton passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, April 30, 2014.
He was born to Gordon and Lois (Arndt) O’Rourke on Oct. 30, 1969, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Sparta. He was baptized Dec. 7, 1969, and confirmed on May 20, 1984, both at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wilton. Mark attended grade school in Ontario and Brookwood High School.
He was united in marriage to Cindy Wright on Aug. 20, 1988, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on South Ridge. He worked for the Mount Tabor Mill and as a patrolman for the Town of Wellington for several years. He was an avid dairy farmer and enjoyed the freedom of working for himself. He enjoyed the wonderful years with his Dad on the farm and the latest years with his two sons and his grandkids, who always insisted on spending time there. Mark was always there to give a helping hand when someone was in need. He also enjoyed watching tractor pulling and visiting with neighbors.
In addition to his wife, Cindy, of 25 years, he is survived by his children, Nicole O’Rourke, Kyle O’Rourke, Brandon (Carrie) O’Rourke and Hannah (Brad) Todd, all of Wilton; along with his four grandchildren who adore him, Emily, Chance and Brittney O’Rourke and Ethan Todd. He is further survived by his parents, Gordon and Lois O’Rourke of Wilton; four sisters, Barb (John) Ornes of Norwalk, Ann (Bob) Curley of Illinois, Lana (Rob) Ross of Wilton and Vicky Pasch of Ontario; his mother-in-law, Shirley Wright of Wilton; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Larry (fiancée Judy Winchell) of Wilton, Barb (Dave) Anderson of Wilton, Kathy (Joe) Laskowski of Hillsboro, Nancy (Lenny) Olson of Hillsboro and Matthew (Samantha) Wright of Ontario; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Abigail Todd; an infant brother, Richard John; and his father-in-law, Robert Wright.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 5, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilton. Pastor Cindy Arndt will officiate. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday at the church from 4-8 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Wilton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given to sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
