Mark James Dice, 56, Woodstock

Mark James Dice, 56, Woodstock, died March 5, 2016, from a sudden cardiac arrest in Woodstock.

He was born on July 3, 1959, to Bernice and Fleming Dice in Waukegan.

He was a 1977 graduate of St. Charles High school. He graduated from Elgin Community College with an associate’s degree, and he attended Northern Illinois University. 

He loved his work as a graphic artist. He will be fondly remembered for his huge laughter, large heart and sweet kindness. He enjoyed his music, his dogs and cars and motorcycles. He loved being a father, and he spoke fondly of the silly games he played with his sweet daughters and how he had his toenails painted many times. He was a wonderful fun-loving stepfather and an amazing storyteller. 

Mark started in newspaper advertising with the Northwest Herald, followed by the Chicago Tribune, and he spent more than 20 years with the Daily Herald, where he made many lifelong friends. 

He was in many theater productions in high school and college and with the Woodstock Musical Theatre Company and TownSquare Players. Mark was happiest being on stage or behind the stage in many community theater productions with his family.

Survivors include two older brothers, Richard (Diane) Dice, Morris, and William (Ann) Dice, Hendersonville, N.C.; his wife from his first marriage, Susan Kiel Dice, who he married Feb. 15, 1986, with whom he had his two cherished daughters, Samantha Dice and Mckenzie Dice; his wife and best friend from his second marriage, Heather Brown Dice, who he married July 10, 2010; three stepsons, Jonathan Cunningham, Steven Cunningham and William Cunningham; aunts and uncles Gerri and  Dave Markel, St. Charles, and Ralph and Delores Benstein, Florida; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation and funeral were March 12  at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 217 E. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere. A private burial service was held at St. Charles Township Cemetery, St. Charles.