Mark R. Soladay

Mark R. Soladay 66, of Freeport passed away on 8/8/22. Mark was born on 2/20/56 in Camp LeJeune, N.C. to Elliott F. Soladay and Mary Ann Soladay (nee Cassidy). He was the beloved brother of Synthia Soladay of Freeport, Catherine Marshall (Ron) of New Braunfels, Tx, Elliott L. Soladay (Cindy) of Sierra Vista, Az and the loving uncle to Neal Soladay of Omaha, NE. His father's career in the Marine Corps gave Mark the opportunity to travel and live in many states. Mark's love of travel continued through his life, traveling across the country several times. He especially loved trips to Palm Springs, San Francisco, and weekends at Russian River. Mark graduated from Freeport High School in 1975. He spent the next 10 years working at both St. Vincent's Home for Children and St. Francis School, working with developmentally disabled children. In 1986 he relocated to Sonoma, California and spent the next 20 years as a Shop Manager, carpet cleaning technician specializing in oriental rugs. He retired and returned to Freeport in 2006 to care for his widowed mother. Mark loved cars, "MSNBC", "Family Feud", and dogs. He had several dog nephews and nieces that he enjoyed and loved over the years, most recently Baxter, Sophie, Max, and Cally. He also enjoyed music, dancing, and spending time with his friends. These facts don't tell the whole story of who Mark was as a person. His patience and caring for others made him a natural to care for the developmentally disabled children, His attention to detail and obsession with doing quality work made him a standout in his carpet cleaning career. Due to his gentle, kind, and loving nature he was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who will be forever missed. In the end, his most impressive quality was the courage and strength that he showed through the trials of his illness. A strength and courage of which his Marine father would be proud. Mark never lost his ability to flash his beautiful smile at anyone who entered his room, especially if they brought Culver's. His smile was truly a beautiful gift. The family would like to thank FHN Hospice, especially Nurse Mark, CNA Deb, and Social Worker Amy. Donations can be made in Mark's memory to your favorite animal shelter or rescue. Mark's favorites were Green County Humane Society (Baxter), Noah's Ark, Rockford (Molly) and Friends Forever, Freeport (Maggie, Jack, Sophie). A Celebration of Life will take place at a later. Please message S.Soladay for time and place.