In 2006, I created this page for Marcus. Today will be two years since he
died. On the bottom of the page, I added something special last year.
died. On the bottom of the page, I added something special last year.
Marcus Issel - Actor & Musician
Class of 2006 & friend of Jarrett
Class of 2006 & friend of Jarrett
MARCUS T. ISSEL - Age, 19 of rural Maple Park, IL, died
tragically in an auto accident a few miles from home,
Wednesday evening, November 22, 2006.
He was born June 24, 1987 in Geneva, IL, the son of
Tim and Vicki (Richardson) Issel. Marcus grew up near
Kaneland High School where he graduated with the
class of 2006.
He had a natural gift for acting and enjoyed being on stage
with Kaneland productions, including a play he directed his
senior year. On-stage and off, Marcus’ smile and sense of
humor had a way of putting everyone at ease. Those same
qualities came to life in the movies he created. Hand-in-
hand with theater, Marcus also loved music. He picked up
a guitar in Junior High and after a few lessons in DeKalb,
began jamming with friends. He played with several groups
through high school, one of which, played the opening set
for members of the former Lynyrd Skynyrd Band at a concert
in Wisconsin. In the world of rock music, Marcus’ tastes
were broad but he especially liked Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Outside of theater, the thing Marcus most enjoyed at Kaneland
were his opportunities to volunteer as a mentor/tutor for
challenged students.
SURVIVORS: He is survived by his father, Tim and two
brothers: Ryan (Bryn) Issel of Oak Park, IL (and their son
Benjamin and daughter Ava) and David Issel of Maple Park.
His maternal grandmother Helen Masters of Aurora, IL; His
paternal grandparents, Harold (Jeanne) Issel of Geneva, IL;
two aunts, Stephanie (Richard) Moffitt of Kaneville, IL,
Patricia (Tom) Frank of Naperville, IL; one uncle, Wayne
Richardson of Aurora, IL; Several cousins: Ty (Kim) Moffitt of
Gainesville, FL, Kevin Moffitt of Kaneville, IL, Michelle Moffitt
(Jason), also of Kaneville, Matt (Tina) Frank of Eau Claire,
WI, Christine (Matt) Brennan of Naperville, IL
In addition, Marcus leaves a family of good friends in whose
hearts, he will always be on “center stage”, his favorite
place in all the world.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Vicki (2004), two
infant sisters, Heather and Gail and his maternal
grandfather, John Richardson and paternal grandmother,
Mildred Issel.
VISITATION / FUNERAL: Friends may call at visitation
hours from 2-5:30pm with a service of remembrance and
prayer at 6 pm on Sunday, November 26, 2006 at Conley
Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL and Monday,
November 27, at the Geneva Lutheran Church from 10am
until 10:45am. Funeral services will be held at 11am with
the Rev. Gordon Straw officiating joined by Rev. Paul
Hammar, family friend and former pastor. Internment will
follow at River Hills Cemetery, Batavia, IL.
MEMORIAL: A memorial has been established in Marcus’
name to benefit the theater program at Kaneland High
School among other charities. Memorials checks may be
made to the Marcus Issel Memorial and mailed in care of P.O.
Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also
be forwarded to the family at the same address or through
his obituary at www.conleycare.com.
The above obituary was copied off of Conley's website by me
tragically in an auto accident a few miles from home,
Wednesday evening, November 22, 2006.
He was born June 24, 1987 in Geneva, IL, the son of
Tim and Vicki (Richardson) Issel. Marcus grew up near
Kaneland High School where he graduated with the
class of 2006.
He had a natural gift for acting and enjoyed being on stage
with Kaneland productions, including a play he directed his
senior year. On-stage and off, Marcus’ smile and sense of
humor had a way of putting everyone at ease. Those same
qualities came to life in the movies he created. Hand-in-
hand with theater, Marcus also loved music. He picked up
a guitar in Junior High and after a few lessons in DeKalb,
began jamming with friends. He played with several groups
through high school, one of which, played the opening set
for members of the former Lynyrd Skynyrd Band at a concert
in Wisconsin. In the world of rock music, Marcus’ tastes
were broad but he especially liked Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Outside of theater, the thing Marcus most enjoyed at Kaneland
were his opportunities to volunteer as a mentor/tutor for
challenged students.
SURVIVORS: He is survived by his father, Tim and two
brothers: Ryan (Bryn) Issel of Oak Park, IL (and their son
Benjamin and daughter Ava) and David Issel of Maple Park.
His maternal grandmother Helen Masters of Aurora, IL; His
paternal grandparents, Harold (Jeanne) Issel of Geneva, IL;
two aunts, Stephanie (Richard) Moffitt of Kaneville, IL,
Patricia (Tom) Frank of Naperville, IL; one uncle, Wayne
Richardson of Aurora, IL; Several cousins: Ty (Kim) Moffitt of
Gainesville, FL, Kevin Moffitt of Kaneville, IL, Michelle Moffitt
(Jason), also of Kaneville, Matt (Tina) Frank of Eau Claire,
WI, Christine (Matt) Brennan of Naperville, IL
In addition, Marcus leaves a family of good friends in whose
hearts, he will always be on “center stage”, his favorite
place in all the world.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Vicki (2004), two
infant sisters, Heather and Gail and his maternal
grandfather, John Richardson and paternal grandmother,
Mildred Issel.
VISITATION / FUNERAL: Friends may call at visitation
hours from 2-5:30pm with a service of remembrance and
prayer at 6 pm on Sunday, November 26, 2006 at Conley
Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL and Monday,
November 27, at the Geneva Lutheran Church from 10am
until 10:45am. Funeral services will be held at 11am with
the Rev. Gordon Straw officiating joined by Rev. Paul
Hammar, family friend and former pastor. Internment will
follow at River Hills Cemetery, Batavia, IL.
MEMORIAL: A memorial has been established in Marcus’
name to benefit the theater program at Kaneland High
School among other charities. Memorials checks may be
made to the Marcus Issel Memorial and mailed in care of P.O.
Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also
be forwarded to the family at the same address or through
his obituary at www.conleycare.com.
The above obituary was copied off of Conley's website by me
MARCUS in a picture from the yearbook
MARCUS, the Prom King 2006 - jumping for joy!
The Queen and the King of the Prom 2006
Saturday, November 22, 2008 - Hard to believe that it's been two
years since Marcus died on Francis Road near the high school.
I'm sure his friends don't need my reminder of this very sad
anniversary. Last year, I drove by the site of the accident - a
single white cross marked the spot. I wonder if it's still there
considering that it was in a corn field. I'll have to check it out next
time I'm out that way.
Every year, Marcus appeared at the cemetery to pay his respects
to Jarrett and Andrew. When Marcus showed up the second year
after they died (2005), he had the Mohawk, and I took his picture,
but alas, that was one of the pictures I lost when my hard drive
crashed. Bummer!! It totally captured his essence.
At some point during the summer of 2007, I noticed what Marcus
had written on Jarrett's locker (on the left). To say the least, it
certainly stunned me - especially the part where he writes:
"...but I can live my life to the fullest like you always did..."
breaks my heart. Who knew his life would end so soon?
I'd been walking past that locker for four years, and although I
had read everything a long time ago, I didn't see it any more.
More than likely, Jarrett gave me a slight "prod" because all of a
sudden, I finally noticed it and knew what I had to do.
It's so tragic that both of those "live wires" are dead - Jarrett and
Marcus - what a couple of characters! There is a rumor that
another "jackass" video exists with both Marcus and Jarrett in it.
I'd LOVE to see it. Wonder where it is?? Probably on YouTube.
I hope his friends talk about him and remember him especially
on the anniversary of his death. God bless you, Marcus. You
were truly a special person. We miss you. see ya later, djb
years since Marcus died on Francis Road near the high school.
I'm sure his friends don't need my reminder of this very sad
anniversary. Last year, I drove by the site of the accident - a
single white cross marked the spot. I wonder if it's still there
considering that it was in a corn field. I'll have to check it out next
time I'm out that way.
Every year, Marcus appeared at the cemetery to pay his respects
to Jarrett and Andrew. When Marcus showed up the second year
after they died (2005), he had the Mohawk, and I took his picture,
but alas, that was one of the pictures I lost when my hard drive
crashed. Bummer!! It totally captured his essence.
At some point during the summer of 2007, I noticed what Marcus
had written on Jarrett's locker (on the left). To say the least, it
certainly stunned me - especially the part where he writes:
"...but I can live my life to the fullest like you always did..."
breaks my heart. Who knew his life would end so soon?
I'd been walking past that locker for four years, and although I
had read everything a long time ago, I didn't see it any more.
More than likely, Jarrett gave me a slight "prod" because all of a
sudden, I finally noticed it and knew what I had to do.
It's so tragic that both of those "live wires" are dead - Jarrett and
Marcus - what a couple of characters! There is a rumor that
another "jackass" video exists with both Marcus and Jarrett in it.
I'd LOVE to see it. Wonder where it is?? Probably on YouTube.
I hope his friends talk about him and remember him especially
on the anniversary of his death. God bless you, Marcus. You
were truly a special person. We miss you. see ya later, djb
Letter to Jarrett written by Marcus Issel - March 2003
Two years later.. . . . Time marches on. . . . .
