Mark Hendel

Mark L. Hendel, age 66, of Granite City, Illinois, formerly of Florissant, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Longevity Assisted Living in Granite City. Born on August 28, 1959, in St. Louis, Missouri, Mark was the beloved son of the late Henry and Margaret (Ebbesmeyer) Hendel.

He attended Sacred Heart Parish Grade School in Florissant and then graduated from St. Louis Preparatory Seminary High School in 1977. Mark proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserves for six years, a commitment that reflected his strong sense of duty and quiet patriotism. A man of deep faith, he was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Parish from birth until moving to Granite City & became a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Granite City.

After twenty-five years of dedicated service, Mark retired in October of 2025 from American Red Cross Blood Services, where he worked as an inventory planner. His work ethic, reliability, and kindness left a lasting impression on colleagues and friends alike.

Above all, Mark will be remembered for his warm heart and genuine spirit. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and loyal friend who truly never met a stranger. His easy smile, kind words, and willingness to listen made everyone feel welcome in his presence. Mark’s memory will live on in the countless lives he touched with his compassion and generosity.

He is survived by his loving brothers: Richard Hendel (the late Mary Beth) of St. Louis County, Missouri; Thomas (Concetta) Hendel of Chesterfield, Missouri; and Michael (Mary Sue) Hendel of Temecula, California; his beloved friend, Adele Petroski & her family who considered Mark to be their “Papa”; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, numerous Hendel & Ebbesmeyer cousins, & extended family members, and many dear friends.

In celebration of Mark’s life, a Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, 13 Feb at Holy Family Catholic Church in Granite City, Illinois with a luncheon to follow at Fraternal Order of Eagles in Granite City at 2558 Madison Ave.

Memorial donations may be made to Holy Family Food Pantry or the Siteman Brain Tumor Center. Donations will be accepted at the church.

Mark wished to express his heartfelt gratitude to the parishioners of Holy Family Church and Sacred Heart Church who assisted him with rides, cards, visits and well wishes during his long battle with brain cancer. Mark also wanted to say thanks to the medical teams at Mercy Cancer Center and Siteman Brain Tumor Center in St Louis who treated him over the last two years. Lastly Mark wanted to express his deep respect for the staff of Longevity Senior Living and Jeanie and the rest of the team from Hospice of Southern Illinois for their compassionate care and kindness during the final chapter of his life.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home