Mark Baillie, 66, of Thawville, Illinois, passed away on March 2, 2026.
Mark is survived by his wife of 44 years, Pam Baillie; three children, Michelle (Doug) Kafer, Nicole (Mandar) Mali, and Thomas Baillie; three granddaughters, Kinsley Kafer, Aasha Mali, Chloe Kafer; two grandsons, Camden Kafer, Arlo Mali; brother, Ralph (Linda) Baillie; sister, Donna Stewart; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Salena Baillie; and by his siblings, Shirley Karpowycz, Duane Baillie, and John Baillie.
Mark was born into a farming family in Thawville and grew up with a passion for the land and a love of agriculture. He obtained his Accounting degree from Illinois State University where he met his wife by helping her with their computer class homework. In a whirlwind courtship they got married shortly before graduation and then returned back to the farm where they spent years restoring their future family home.
In addition to farming, Mark spent 9 years as an accountant and then 25 years as a crop insurance adjuster where he met some of his lifelong friends.
Much of Mark's leisure time was spent outside. He loved water skiing and enjoyed teaching others so they could experience the same rush of excitement while immersed in nature. Bonfire parties at "the pond" were a summer staple, as were family camping trips which were always somewhere near water.
Mark was a devoted father who nurtured in his children a love of family, a strong work ethic and an appreciation for finding a good deal. As a grandfather, his softer side shone through. Mark's grandkids loved when he would take them to feed the fish. Even Santa seemed to sound suspiciously like grandpapa.
Although he never retired, preferring to farm up through his last harvest season in fall 2025, Mark enjoyed going south to Florida for the winter where he and Pam enjoyed a steady stream of visitors and friends, taking them for fishing excursions, sunny beach trips, kayaking outings or simply a day by the pool with a cold beer and country music on the radio.
Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga as well as one hour prior to the services at church on Tuesday at church.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Thawville. Pastor Brian King will officiate. Burial will follow at Ridgeland Township Cemetery in Thawville.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church – Thawville or American Cancer Society.
Please share a memory of Mark at knappfuneralhomes.com.
