Mark Holzknecht

Mark Holzknecht died, peacefully, in Miami, FL, on November 29, 2023, following complications from a kidney infection. In his 76 years on this earth, he touched so many with his gentle and kind heart. There were several chapters to his story, in the role of father, son, husband, brother, uncle, friend, athlete, hard worker and Grandpa.

Born in Clarksville, Indiana on August 12, 1947, to Veteran Joseph Holzknecht and Maryrose Holzknecht (née Bohn), Mark was the middle child of five. They lived in Charlestown, Indiana across the river from Louisville, Kentucky where they spent time with extended family. He is survived by sisters, Mary Jo Thomas and Betty Jo Ridings, who hold the memory of their late brothers, Stephen and Roy, close to their heart.

In awe of their father’s resilience navigating these many chapters, his daughters, Marcia Brooks, Lisa Barroso and Kelly Holzknecht, were raised by a man of undeniable integrity that will live on in the next generation of family. Some of Mark’s best qualities can be seen in his grandchildren. Marcia and husband Nick Brooks see Grandpa Mark in their son Luke’s humility, integrity and athleticism and in their daughter Ella’s grace, dynamic energy and perseverance. Lisa and husband Will Barroso see Grandpa Mark in their son Brandon’s sweet and witty sense of humor and in his thirst for learning. 

Mark was married to Robin Rosen (née Meyers) from 1972-2001. During those years Mark worked for Aloha Freightways in Miami, and followed his dedicated service to that company by creating his own business, in partnership with Robin, RAM Parcel Service. People who contracted Mark’s service always shared the same sentiment: Mark treated his customers better than anyone in the business, and he was adored by all who knew and worked with this gentle giant of a man. On Sundays off from his typical six-day work week, you could find Mark on the fairway, enjoying his favorite pastime, golf. Later in the day you would find him clicking from channel to channel watching more golf and his other favorite sports, which were EVERY sport! In later years he also paid close attention to the weather report, alerting his Chicago and New York family what to expect.

Mark is also survived by his son Eddie Hitchcock who was born during a brief marriage to Wendy Hambey of Orlando, FL. Mark and Wendy went to Colonial High School in Orlando, before Mark moved down to South Florida, where he spent the rest of his years.

At Colonial High School Mark was a tri-varsity athlete, lettering in football, playing basketball and participating in track and field. He earned the nickname “Horse”- another elegant animal. He took on the responsibility of hard work and taking care of his family, sacrificing the completion of a college education. His support for his family ensured that all three of his daughters were able to pursue serious dance training, and his example of perseverance helped them spin off onto different career paths after earning college degrees. Mark was so proud of his family, in awe of his sisters and their families and in his final chapter looked forward to every visit with his grandchildren. His family will continue to enjoy traditions and memories and will carry on the goodness that they found in Grandpa Mark.

The family will hold a memorial on the morning of December 22, 2023 for close friends of the family and those who would like to pay respects to remember Mark.

Please contact Marcia Brooks at marciabrooksct@gmail.com for details. The service will begin with a reflective walk near the Miami Springs Golf Course at 10:00 am followed by a short service nearby.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest donations be made to any of the following organizations: NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Florida PACE Centers.

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