Mark Allen Nystuen

Mark Nystuen, 71, of Chicago, died on September 11, 2026 in his much loved home in Grand Beach, MI.

He was born in 1955 in Crosby, ND to Lila and Otto Nystuen. His grandparents came from Norway and established a farm in small-town Crosby in 1904. It remains in the family to this day.

Mark was an adored only child, but childhood was quiet, marked by classic Norwegian reserve, and he became a great reader. His favorite book was Penrod by Booth Tarkington, a tale of a mischievous and rambunctious boy who had adventures that Mark vicariously indulged in.

Mark attended the University of North Dakota and received his BSBA in Banking in 1976. He graduated from the Thunderbird School of Global Management with a Masters in 1977.

He moved to Chicago and joined LaSalle Bank in 1977 and retired in 2007 as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Mark developed and led LaSalle's broad sports and event marketing programs including the acquisition and expansion of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.

The marathon was the absolute highlight of Mark’s career. Mark and his team turned a mid-level race into one of the world's largest participatory events. He was at the start and finish line of every marathon for 13 years. True to his trademark non-athletic reputation, he never logged a mile in between.

Along with other senior leaders from some of the top brands and agencies in the world, he went on to help establish The Kineo Group, an integrated marketing firm that provided strategic brand counseling. All told, Mark worked with most of Chicago's major sports franchises, several Big 10 universities, and a host of civic and cultural institutions.

At the beginning of his career, Mark said the smartest thing he ever did was move to Chicago. That changed in 1982 when he proclaimed the smartest thing he ever did was marry his wife Susan. As a final loving nod to her, Mark died at 9:18 pm. Their anniversary is 9/18.

In married life, Mark’s classic Norwegian reserve became a vestige as he and Susan enjoyed life to the fullest, with parties, great holiday festivities and neighborhood and family get togethers that became lore. Mark became the host with the most, never happier than when he was planning a party, down to the smallest detail. Christmas Eve parties for family at the Nystuens’ home in Wilmette were not to be missed, a chance for grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to connect and love, all among over-the-top Christmas decorations.

In later years, Mark fulfilled a great wish: he wrote a novel. Entitled Death at a Distance, it was a tale of bomb threats, international fraud, and strange disappearances, perhaps a hearkening back to the harrowing tales of Penrod. As Mark would tell you, it’s available on Amazon.

Mark and Susan have three sons, Kevin (Stephanie), Connor (Annie), Scott (Lindsey). They all recently moved to the North Shore, returning to the locales of their childhoods, an homage to Mark and Susan and the loving home they created there. Ellie, Harper, Rory and Jack are their treasured grandchildren

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Contributions in Mark’s honor may be made to a food pantry of your choice. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman MI 49106.