Mark Gelder Drucker
Mark Gelder Drucker, 84, of Richmond, VA, formerly of Syracuse, NY. Mark was born in Chicago, IL to Abraham and Vera Drucker. He was a graduate of Michigan State University. Mark leaves behind his wife, Marlene Rubenstein Drucker and two daughters, Cantor Michelle (Elias Friedman) Drucker Friedman, and Lizzie (Russell Basch) Drucker-Basch who, he had on good authority, hung the moon. The joys of his life were his 5 grandchildren, Annika (Sid) Siddarth, Sophia Basch, Emma Friedman, Noah Basch, and Julia Friedman. His grandchildren share special memories of Zayde's boating trips. These outings included tubing, feeding snacks and ice cream outside of mealtimes, and invariably running aground. With Mark, life was an adventure. Illegal firecrackers and jokes were shot off at the slightest provocation. His laugh was glorious and infectious. He loved deeply and shared opinions freely, "naturally, as one would". He can rest easy knowing that he transmitted his special brand of wisdom to his children and grandchildren who know that if you "waste not" you will, "want not" and they will never take any wooden nickels. Mark earned his living as a manufacturer's representative, but he made his life being a kind, caring, funny man who loved people. For those who loved him, his memory will bless them as they continue his legacy. The funeral service will be Thursday, June 1 at 11:00 AM at Emanuel Congregation, 5959 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60660. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel Congregation, www.emanuelcong.org. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com