Rev. Mark Philip Helge, 76, Rockford, suffered a tragic fall on July 4th and died of complications on July 8th, 2026. He is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Kathleen, their two sons, Andrew and Joel; their daughters-in-law Malinda and Alexa; and grandchildren, Oliver, Eva, and Malulani. He was preceded in death by his parents, Janet and Lester Helge and his brother, Reverend Brian L. Helge.

Mark was born July 23, 1949, in Evergreen Park, IL, the son of Janet and E. Lester Helge. He spent the majority of his childhood on the south side of Chicago and later moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana with his family. Mark graduated from Valparaiso University in 1971 with an emphasis on history, economics and theology. Mark felt the call of God to pursue a role in the church and was part of the Seminary in Exile (Seminex) in St. Louis, MO. He finished his theological work at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1978 and was ordained in 1979. He served as pastor of Zion Lutheran in Walsh, IL (1979-1983), Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Glenview, IL (1983-1987), Messiah Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL (1987-1999), and Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL (1999-2004).

Mark received a life changing gift that allowed him to give philanthropically. The spirit of this work continues to provide enduring ways to grow the Church and her mission of making Christ known. Numerous organizations and individuals have benefited from this generosity.

Mark helped countless people in times of need: whether it was with pastoral care, his work in philanthropy, or helping those less fortunate. He was a great listener, always more interested to learn more about someone, and genuinely cared about the people he was with.

He loved discussing history and current events, making people laugh and enjoying a dry gin martini on the rocks (with 2 olives - stuffed with blue cheese - if you have them).

He will be sorely missed, but we are comforted that he dwells in the warm embrace of God and resting in the peace that passes all understanding.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church, 425 Riverside Rd. Belvidere, IL. A visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Saturday followed by a luncheon at the church. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Mark to benefit Mosaic. To give online: www.mosaicinfo.org/donate-today or checks can be mailed to Mosaic, 4980 S. 118th St., Omaha, NE 68137-2200. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com