Mark David Van Lokeren
August 26, 1969 ~ February 1, 2009
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Mark David Van Lokeren, 39, of Asheville, NC, died on Sunday, February 1, 2009.
Born on August 26, 1969 in Grosse Pointe, MI, Mark was a son of Ronnie Biondo and David L. Van Lokeren.
Mark was a 1987 graduate of Delaware Valley High School and received his BA from Kutztown University, and MA in Education from East Stroudsburg University. Mark helped found and grow Build It Naturally, Asheville, NC.
In addition to his parents, Mark leaves his daughter, Elizah, and partner, Anna Booraem; brothers, Matthew (Ana Paula), Dominic, Tommy (Soledad), Paul, Michael, David, and Lionel; sisters, Amy (Keith), and Ruth; extended family, Kim (Michael) Lisa (Michael) and Joey (Sari); many nieces, nephews, and dear friends, Jeremy French and Breah Parker.
To honor Mark's memory, donations may be made to: Trust for Elizah Van Lokeren, 1524 New Stock Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787, or to Firefly Field: A Playground for Kids of All Abilities, Biondo Investment Advisors, P.O. Box 909, Milford, PA 18337.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting Mark's family.
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Dearest Ruthie, Dom, Tommy and Family,
My heart is breaking for you all. I can’t seem to find the words to say to convey how I feel. It has been many years since we last saw one another but I will always cherish the time I spent with Mark and with all of you growing up. I was so shocked to hear the news. My heart goes out to your entire family.
With Love,
Doria
Dear Van Lokeren Family-
My heart is saddened for your loss of Markie-Mark. We shared some great times together. Even though he was Amy’s little brother…he was like a little brother to me, too. Wish I could have been there to support your family during this difficult time. I live in Michigan and was unable to make it. You have been and still are in my thoughts and prayers. Theresa
My heart aches for the family and friends who are suffering the loss of Mark. Although it has been years since I last saw him, the memories are as vivid as yesterday. Mark had the ability to transform ordinary moments extraordinary ones. He was an amazing friend, and like all of us here, he has etched a permanent imprint upon our lives. Thank you Mark.
peace and love,
Sarah
Dearest Van Lokeren Family,
My heart goes out to you and all of Mark’s extended family and friends. My family will light some candles at St Theresa’s and say some special prayers for you all during this difficult time. I loved Mark’s competitive nature when I knew him in grade school. He was a wonderful challenge in sports,the poker card games, and the mental math competitions we had. I enjoyed knowing him during my childhood. He is a beautiful soul. God Bless you all.
Me ke aloha menemene (with sympathy) Celine and Ohana
Dear Vanlokeren Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
A poem by Paul Alexander to share:
‘And I will light a candle for you to shatter all the darkness and bless the times we knew. Like a beacon in the night, the flame will burn bright and guide us on our way. Oh, today I light a candle for you.’
My God be with you.
To The Van Lokeren and Biondo Families – We send our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your beloved son, Mark. May the wonderful memories of Mark help you cope as you learn to live a different life without him. And may the love you shared continue to fill your hearts and enable his legacy to live on.
I will always think of you fondly
Go in Peace
Love, Red
I will forever cherish the fondest memories of my friend. I will never forget you.
You were an amazing guy with an infectious smile. You will never be forgotten……
MVL- peace to you.
You will be missed by so many. You and your family are in our prayers. With Love Randy, Lisa, Emily and Austin
You have touched so many lives in wonderful ways and I feel blessed to have known you. I will forever remember you as the fun-loving, free spirited person that brought joy and happiness into my life.
May the Lord welcome you Mark with Love and Peace. We will all miss you so very much. Our sympathy and love to all your family and friends.
Uncle Wayne and Aunt Judy
To the Van Lokeren Family,
Our sincere condolences in this very dark time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Best,
Harry Siegel and Jodie Russell
To the Van Lokeren and Biondo families; Our deepest condolences.
Mark was like a brother to me and I’ll not soon forget the great times we shared. God bless.
Eric Yetter (Tara, Fox & Ivy)
Dear Van Lokeren Family,
Having just read the news of Mark’s death, words fail me to adequately tell you how sorry I am for your loss. My memories of him are all of him as a small boy, and I regret not knowing him as an adult. It sounds as though he was a wonderful person and good father. You have my heartfelt prayers for each of you during this painful time.
Much love,
Mary Ann Trauscht
To the Van Lokeren and Biondo families; my deepest condolences. You will be in my prayers.
My heart goes out to the Van Lokeren family. I have many wonderful memories of Mark as a young boy. He will be missed by all.
Dear family and friends of Mark,
Mark was one of my dearest friends. I loved him and am deeply saddened by his death.
I wish all of you, those I know and those I don’t, as much peace in your hearts as is possible during such times.
I love you Mark and I hope this next part of your journey is one of loving kindness and equanimity.
We send our prayers to God and are comforted by the thought that Mark is a peace with the Lord. Our thoughts turn to Elizah, Anna, Ronnie, Joe, David and all of the family at this very difficult time. You will all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as you travel through this difficult time.
Anna, Artur and I are so saddened to hear the news of your loss. May you find special grace and support during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Words are difficult during this time, so many are left with grief. My heart goes out to all especially his family… It will be a difficult process but know that we are holding you all in light and love. Peace KJ
Ronnie, Joe, and family,
Our very deepest sympathy and loving condolences. I can imagine no greater pain than losing a child. May Mark and your family find peace.
Warmly, Rich and Becky
Dear Aunt Ronnie, Joe and Family
Our hearts are torn. The thought of losing a son or brother tears at our hearts. The pain cuts …like no other pain you’ve ever experienced. When the pain cuts deeper than anything you’ve experienced and the tears don’t want to stop. Give it all up to Jesus.
When Zachary died Wendy and I gave all pain and suffering to Jesus thru prayer. Shortly thereafter we could feel the Holy Spirit carrying us thru our pain and suffering.
We often take comfort in Romans Chapter 5.
God Bless
The Ziskie Family
Warren Mi
I wish to extend my sincere sympathies to the family. Mark will be greatly missed. I will never forget the joyful times we shared together.
Dear Van Lokeren and Biondo families,
Your beautiful family are all in my thoughts. I wish you all peace.
Heather Coburn Snyder
Dear Dave, Ronnie and family:
Cecilia and I unite ourselves to you in these painful times. We’ll always remember Mark as a special friend to our children and a nice, care-free child; he always seemed to have a smile on his face and that’s how we will always remember him.
our love and prayers
Lionel & Cecilia
Dear Dave, Ronnie and family:
Cecilia and I unite ourselves to you in these painful times. We’ll always remember Mark as a special friend to our children and a nice, care-free child; he always seemed to have a smile on his face and that’s how we will always remember him.
our love and prayers
Lionel & Cecilia
To the Van Lokeren Family-
My deepest thoughts go out to you all. Mark Will be greatly missed. I will never forget all the good times we shared over the years.
Love,
Matt, Heather & Chase Dougherty
The Sullivans would like to add their condolences over the loss of your precious son. We have never forgotten how you and your family were there for us when we suffered the same devastation. The same and yet never the same. We only hope that time will heal your family by the love of those who know you and Mark. Only the good remains.
Our best wishes to each of you-
Patrick, Mary K. and each of the children.
From the bottom of my heart, please accept my condolences for Mark’s recent passing. It is always sad when someone dies, but especially someone so young. May Mark’s soul, and all the souls of the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
My memories of Mark revolve around Basketball at DVMS and DVHS. At that time, he was my antagonist, but in hindsight his ‘jabs’ just made me work harder to improve my skills and character. Nevertheless, I did admire him as a gifted athlete, something that was in his DNA no doubt given the athletic prowess of his many brothers. 🙂
To the entire Van Lokeren Family, Anna and Elizah:
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your son, partner and father. He will be deeply missed by many people and classmates. I remember many funny times at DV and St. Joe’s with the entire family and can remember laughing so hard sometimes that my sides hurt and tears ran down my cheeks. Basketball nights at DV were always supported by your entire family and the Van Lokeren boys always exploded onto the court with tremendous team spirit. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God hold you in the palm of his hand during this very difficult time. God bless all of you.
With deepest sympathy and warmest regards,
Diane Nikles-Chudoba
DV Class of 1984
So many memories, so many laughs.
I am thinking of you all during this extremely difficult time.
God bless you and may you find comfort in knowing Mark is at peace.
To: The Van Lokeren and Biondo Family:
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dear Ronnie and family,
I am thinking of and praying for you all at this very difficult time. Although I haven’t seen Mark in years, I have such fond memories of him. We shared many a great conversation about education and many, many laughs. Mark was a ‘light’ in Milford.
Ruthie -old friend-, you are especially in my thoughts.
Peace,
Amy Kowal (Coelho)
To Mark’s family and loved ones; I lift you up in prayer to the Lord Who knows and heals our hearts…I am so sorry for your loss.
Photos posted in photo gallery courtesy of Amy Ryder Kranick in memory of Mark David Van Lokeren
To the Van Lokeren & Biondo Families:
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers and love go out to you all.
Ruthie & the Van Lokeren Family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. I wish I had better words to offer you comfort during this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
We are so saddened by the death of your beloved son and will always remember him and you in our prayers. The Scheibner family
Dear Van Lokeren family,
I am deeply saddened by the news of Mark’s death. Please know that my thoughts are with you now. Much love,
We extend our sincere condolences to Mark’s family and his loved ones. Our family has many great memories of Mark at DV and seeing him excel in soccer and basketball.
Mark is at peace and his spirit will be with you all forever. Trust God to get you through this most difficult time.
To Dave, Ronnie, the beautiful Van Lokeren Family and all of those who share your loss. No words can adequately describe the emotions we are feeling for all of you. We can only hope that our love and prayers will bring you some comfort. God’s peace to all of you.
Dear David and Ronnie,and brothers and sisters of Mark,
We just heard the sorrowful news of Mark’s passing. Please know that we are praying for you all at this most painful time, and most especially now for Mark.
Bud and Arlene Scott
The Van Lokeren Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mark. I knew Mark as player and person who always had fun and enjoyed activity. (especially soccer).
On behalf of Stephanie and the Cavallaro family I would like to send our condolences. He and all of the Van Lokeren’s are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Anthony Cavallaro and Family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I remember Mark well from our childhood. I will keep the fond memories I have of him in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Dear Ronnie, Dave and Family,
My heartfelt condolences to you all on the loss of Mark. My prayers are that God will strengthen you all with His peace and love – that same peace and love that Mark is now living in.
Dear Ronnie, Dave and Family,
My heartfelt condolences to you all on the loss of Mark. My prayers are that God will strengthen you all with His peace and love – that same peace and love that Mark is now living in.
I was saddened to hear of Mark’s passing when I received an E-mail from Tony Cavallaro
This evening. There appears to be an unbreakable bond that exists between players,
Coaches,etc. I know that Mark was very popular in school and on the soccer team which I’m sure continued into his adult life.
My condolences to the family and to his many
Close friends through this difficult time. It is a time for sorrow and pain and a time to reflect
On Mark’s life.
Dear Ronnie, Dave and family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss and will hold you close during these difficult days.
Love,
Betty
Words cannot describe the pain of burying a child, brother, father, husband…Mark was an amazing friend – generous, loving, truly sincere. My heart breaks for all of you – I am ashamed for not keeping in touch.
To the Van Lokeren Family: We are so very sorry for your loss. It makes no sense…Our prayers for peace & comfort are with you all.
‘The answers quick and keen,
the honest look, the laughter,
the love,– They are gone…
They have gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled is the blossom. Fragrant is the blossom. I know…But I do not approve. More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world.’
Very sorry for your loss. I remember Mark from High School, as a sweet and fun guy.
Patti (Weidner) Hunt
This news has touched our family in so many shocking and heart wrenching ways…please know that our whole family has shed tears and said many prayers for ALL of you! God BLESS you all….
He was a wonderful boy/man….and is in our hearts and prayers.
For ALL of Mark’s siblings…hang on to each other…love each other no matter what….remember the love he had for each and every one of you….just love each other and know you have a very special ANGEL among you!
Most important…LOVE your PARENTS! ALL of them! They love you most of all!
With ALL our LOVE!
The Burns Family….God Bless You all!!
My prayers and thoughts are with you, Ronnie and Dave, and the family at this very sad time. I remember watching Mark grow to an amazing and handsome child. My wish for him is that he is at peace and for you – that wonderful memories of Mark will warm your hearts in the future. May God hold you in His hands and keep you close to His heart in the future. My children send their thoughts and prayers as well.
To the Van Lokeren and Biondo Families,
I’m so sorry for your loss and my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you.
I have so many wonderful memories of going over to the Van Lokeren house and playing with all the fun boys and Ruthie. Sadly, we never fully realize how much others have influenced our lives until they are gone.
Amy, Matt and all,
So sorry for your loss.
Haven’t seen most of you since DV, but I remember Mark alsways had the greatest smile.
PLease be in touch if you get a chance.
Lisa/Bubba
Dearest Ronnie and family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. His welcoming smile and charisma lit up every room he entered. Mark was a kind hearted human and faithful friend. He was a fine person, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
My sympathies are with you all at this most difficult time.
Love, Rusty Coelho
On behalf of Margaret and me and all the Haggarty children, we send our prayers and condolences for the loss of Mark.
With Prayers and Love, Jim and Margaret and Family
To the Van Lokeren Family,
Let the Love that Mark was so capable of stand above everything. Then our Hearts and minds can rest, and we will be able to go on without him.Thats the way he would want it.
Lindsay Brown
Amy, Matt and the whole Van Lokeren Family,
While I only knew Mark mostly as a good friend of my brother Brian’s in high school. I can only say I know the pain and loss that you are feeling. He was a great guy and the last time I saw him I’ll remember seeing him as a wonderful father to a lovely daughter.
A quote:
‘To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.’ – Jim Valvano
With love,
Tyler Dennis
Milford, PA
P.S. I’m sure Mark and Brian are up there knocking the soccer ball around and shooting some hoops… laughing, thinking and crying.
To The Van Lokeren Family,
My prayers are with you all during this time of grief and sadness.
Any one of us who rode Bus 5 Mill Rift/Matamoras can surely remember the infectious smiles of all of the Van Lokeren children and the bright light that shone around each and every one. That is how I, and I am sure anyone that knew Mark, will remember him.
As you grieve Mark’s passing, celebrate his life and ensure his legacy to his daughter and take comfort in the fact that she will grow up to know that her father is a Beautiful Soul.
May God watch over you all,
Ronnie, Amy & family
Extending deepest sympathy for you in your loss. And hoping, too, that comfort and peace
may come to you.
To the Van Lokeren Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Like so many others I remember Mark’s friendly personality and his competitive nature. Being two years younger than Mark, I had the privilege of looking up to athletes like him and my brother, Brian, as role models and inspirations, and to me they will forever remain that way. Although I am sure there is little that can ease your pain, I hope that you may find some comfort, as I have, in Tyler’s image of Mark and Brian described below.
Dear Ronnnie and family,
We are very saddened to hear of the loss of your son Mark. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Trust in the lord and he will help you all to get through this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laurie and Kim Pearce
To the Van Lokeren Family,
I am so sorry and deeply saddened to of heard of the loss of Mark. Having spent much of my youth growing up with Mark, I have many fond memories of our times together. I am sorry I did not get the chance to see the family at the Muir House but I had not returned in time from my last mission overseas. My prayers are with you all and may God bless all of Mark’s family.
To the Van Lokeren and Biondo families,
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Mark was a great person with an infectious smile that made everyone feel welcome.
On behalf of the Midlarsky family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
The Midlarsky family
To Dave and Ronnie.I feel bad for your loss,Markie was good,joyful and whitty,always helpfull and not afraid to share his smile. My prayers and condolenses to you and all of your family.
Dear Van Lokeren family,
Cathy and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Mark’s death. We remember him as a cheerful, happy little boy. We pray that his family finds comfort and consolation in God’s grace. We’re sure Mark is safe and happy in His arms.
We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Please know your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that you all will experience God’s strength, love and comfort through one another during this painful time…We will never forget Mark.
To Mark´s family, I would like to send my deepest condolences. Even though I knew Mark a long time ago he was one of those very rare blessed human beings that meets a new person, says a good word, gives a smile and keeps going. That´s the way life should be.
to the family,
these past few days i have been thinking about mark and all the fun and hilarious times i had with him growing up. he is such a wonderful guy and exuded warmth and joy to so many people.
To the Van Lockeren Family,
I can only say, I am so sorry for your loss. I had a great time growing up with Mark (indian burn master) Van Lockeren. He made our childhood a lot of fun.
He will be missed.
With love,
Joe Neuer
To the Van Lockeren and Biondo Families, I was so sad to hear about Mark. I have great memories of him coaching me in ‘Biddy Basketball’. Although I was terrible, he made me feel like I belonged. I’ll always remember watching him on the basketball court! Peace & Blessings, Bonnie
We remember him as a fine youngster, and he undoubtedly grew into a fine man. Sorry for your loss.
Dear Ronnie, Dave and all the family,
I have so many memories of Mark as such a happy, fun-filled little boy. Reading these condolences shows how much he brought that love and cheerfulness to all he met throughout the years. Please know that you and he are in my prayers. I am especially praying that the Lord will console you and take away the terrible pain of his loss – until you all meet again in heaven.
Roz (Smith) Edman
Dear Ronnie and Dave, It took a while for the sad news of Mark’s death to reach me, but I want to offer condolence even now. Today is Easter Monday (13.04), and Jesus’ encounter with the broken-hearted women is the story given to us to ponder. I hope that he may heal your broken hearts too. Love, Maury
Dear Van Lokeren Family. My Name is Chris Bozik. I worked with Mark and was his roommate in Allentown for a couple of years. I was trying to locate Mark via the internet and facebook. I was shocked and very saddened to learn of his passing. My prayers are with your family. I know that he loved you and were all very close. May you find peace in his love and in his memory.
Thinking of you, Chris Bozik
To Mark’s loved ones,
Last night we ran into a mutual friend and were informed of Marks passing.
It has saddened my husband and I to hear this news. We met Mark 20 years ago when he was going to Kutztown University and applied for a job at our restaurant. ‘Sunset Grille’ It did not take long for him to win our hearts over.
He worked for us for a few years, we were all growing up together. (since I am only a few years older than Mark, and also a Kutztown graduate.)
My husband and I talked about Mark often over the years and had hoped one day to reconnect with him. It is not often a person like Mark enters your life.
God bless you all and please know our hearts go out to you.
I would start with thank you. Thank you for sharing a great son that became a brother and a friend. He was and still is amazing and as I weep in just discovering his loss… I will always remember. My brother. My friend. Thank you. MVL – rest. We’ll do it all again.
Dear Mark’s family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It is just now that I have found out about Mark’s death; my heart hurts and is deeply saddened. My best wishes to you all… with care, Sashi
To the Van Lokeren family. My prayers are with you. I am deeply broken and saddened. We will see our dearly departed in paradise. God give us strength. I pray for the families to find comfort in our creator and Father and in the memories they’ve shared.
There are no words that I can say to describe the pain, heartbreak and loss in my heart. I loved Matt dearly, he was my light in the darkest hours of my life. I tried to be the same for him, I hope I was. He will live in my soul forever. May God bless and keep you all.