Mark A. Lyter, age 68 of Oswego, IL passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 16, 2022.

He was born July 24, 1954, in Mt. Vernon, IL, son of the late Bill and June Lyter.

Mark's family first moved to LaSalle, IL then to a farm in Kewanee, where he raised rabbits, chickens, and ducks, which he showed at the county fair. During school, Mark competed on the wrestling team and lettered in football. His love of nature, fishing, and camping were fostered through 4H and Boy Scouts, which he would later share with his own children.

Mark was a graduate of Galva High School, Class of 1972, then earned his associates degree at Blackhawk East Junior College. He completed his education with a double-major from Western Illinois University with degrees in Mass Communications and Media Studies. He started as a radio announcer and reporter for the campus media station, and transitioned to be a DJ and Account Executive at radio stations WIVQ and WAUR. Mark then went on to have a successful 33-year career in telecommunications as a Sr. CAD technician at Tellabs Inc., where he retired in 2015.

Mark is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Kimberly (Kroll) Lyter, admiring children Lisa (David) Hatfield and Matthew (Katie) Lyter, adoring sisters Lezlie (Butch) Burhorn, Kimberly Tanzillo-Lyter, and Andrea (Don) Kirman, and many beloved neices, nephews, and great-neices and nephews.

Mark ruled the grill, was a jack-of-all-trades, and transformed his backyard into a beautiful oasis of flora and fauna, a tranquil koi pond, homegrown vegetable garden, and a bird haven with a fondness towards hummingbirds. However, Mark's greatest joys in life were spending time and laughing with his family, traveling the world, and hosting the best family summer BBQs and Christmas parties.

We would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Rush-Copley hospital and Alden of Waterford for the special care Mark received. The family will gather at a later date to honor Mark's legacy.