Karl Marks

Karl was born on February 12, 1929, at Oak Park, Illinois. He lived with his parents and two younger brothers, Herbert and Robert, in the family home in the Austin area of Chicago’s far west side. He loved the Austin YMCA, where he learned to swim and enjoyed summer camp.  The family later moved to Forest Park. He attended local public schools and graduated from Proviso Township high school in 1947.

After graduation, Karl began his career as an entry-level clerk at the Chicago Stock Exchange. This work inspired him to focus on the investment banking business and to think about becoming a lawyer.

Karl graduated from the University of Illinois-Urbana, where he majored in science and chemistry. On the same day, Karl was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army of the United States. He was promoted to first lieutenant while he served as a communications officer in the 304th Signal Battalion during the Korean War. 

Karl studied law, taking advantage of the G.I. bill, at the University of Colorado.  Following his graduation (Juris Doctor degree) in 1960, he became a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under the leadership of J. Edgar Hoover. Karl loved his work and served in six separate field divisions. He left the Bureau at the end of 1980. During his FBI years, Karl was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Karl worked with his brother Herbert in the investment banking field, which brought him back full circle to where he began his career 33 years earlier. 

In what he facetiously called his twilight years, Karl studied aviation and became a licensed pilot.  He then purchased a small aircraft (Cessna 150 E, N 6166 T), which he maintained in a hangar at Lewis University Airport, just north of the city of Joliet, Illinois. 

Karl traveled extensively, both solo and with friends, both in the United States and many foreign countries, but always considered Chicagoland his home.

Karl was a life member of the Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) and for several years taught Sunday School at his church in Oak Park.  He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  

Karl was survived by his 3 nephews Marty, Bob and Jerry as well as Marty’s wife Krista and children Riley, Sadie, Carter and Chloe and Bob’s wife Dawn and children Aiden, Ava and Bella.  He also loved and was loved by his honorary nephew Nicholas Cooper and dear friend Olinda Fink.  

A graveside service will be held on Saturday December 28, 2024 at 9am at Concordia Cemetery in Forest Park. 

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