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Diane Ochocki: Henrike and family – I was not aware of this website until our son, Brian, found it. It is with heartfelt sympathy that I empathize what it has been like for you to go through the loss of your precious son, Marcus. It seems so long ago that we were neighbors in Beavercreek, Ohio. We have only communicated through Christmas cards since that time. I\’m sure that the holidays are a difficult time for your family. I didn\’t get to cards this year. My Mom passed away Oct. 31st and things were quite hectic as Christmas approached. I will give you my e-mail so we can renew our acquaintance: diane@goldengate.net May God bless you and your family. Diane Ochocki and family
8-16-09: Can’t believe that it\’s been two years already. We will never forget you! Love you man.
I didn’t really get a chance to hang out with Marcus much, but I got to see him in action. I don’t know anyone who could pull a transmission apart and put it back together faster. He lived hard, and played hard. – Jeffery Mathews (KG4DHZ), Port Orange, FL
Marcus was “that” guy, you know the one who seemed to never have a bad day, and even if he did, he wouldn’t show it, but could still find it in himself to make everyone else around him laugh. The guy who would give the shirt off his back or help with anything he could. The guy who seemed to know how to do anything or could figure it out if he didn’t. The guy with a heart of gold and some to spare when you needed it. The guy we all wish we were half of, and will spend a lifetime trying to be. The guy that we were a part of, and who’s now a part of you & me. J.E.
Henri and Family, I’m really sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during such a hard time.May God bless you all. Cynthia Navarro JP5 Court Assistant.
I met Marcus while having my VW repaired. I heard him talking on the phone in German, and assuming he must be talking to an engineer at VW, I asked to have him take a look at my car. Within a short time he had diagnosed and fixed a problem that no one else could figure out. We became friends and it was a few months later when we were working on his project car at Todd’s shop that he asked me why I had requested him to look at my car in the first place- that’s when he told me the german engineer he had been talking to was in fact his mother! That’s the kind of guy Marcus was. He was the best at what he did, but his family and friends came first. Those who took the time to get to know Marcus will always admire and remember him. This world is a lesser place for his passing, but those of us who were fortunate enough to be his friends are better off having known him. ~Shane Flowers
There’s not enough room or time for me to list all of the selfless things Marcus has done for me and anyone I sent his way. Like Shane, I remember the change in Marcus after his first child was born. He glowed! He was a guy that told it like it was and usually said , “I can help”………….I can’t imagine anyone that has met him, even for one minute, didn’t take a liking to him, as I did. He was a great person and I feel terrible about him passing. If there is anything I can do to help now or ten years from now, please do not hesitate to ask. scottsaxton@gmail.com ~Scott Saxton
I knew Marcus on a proffessional level, he had my ut-most respect as a mechanic and I also witnessed a father & husband thru his words & pictures on his tool box. Being all of those myself, I always wanted to establish a social relationship with Marcus. I thought there would be plenty of time and had been working on it slowly. But God has called him to heaven much sooner than anybody would have expected. I am truly sorry that I didn’t make myself someone he would call a close friend sooner. I am now finding comfort in the teachings of the Catholic Church, Marcus has been called to God because He needs him. And I will see him again, when it is my time to be called. Now we all have a freind in Heaven. See you soon Marcus. Stan Kostewicz
While we only knew Marcus for a short time, he seemed like a terrific guy. He will be sadly missed by all. With love to Lisa and the girls, Jill + Matt Firestone
Marcus, you were a friend in a place that wasn’t known for it’s friendliness. I was so grateful for that. The huge spirit that was reflected in your wonderful smile and laughing eyes, which obviously touched so many lives, will never die. I think it just outgrew your body. Surely those of us who were fortunate enough to have known you will always carry a part of that spirit in our hearts. I know I will. God speed, Marcus. Yoit Callaghan
Marcus, I loved you the minute I met you. Your spirit glowed all around you and excited everyone that was with you. You always made people laugh either at you or with you. You were there for me in my time of need more than anyone I know. After moving I didn’t get to spend time with you anymore and missed you and everyone in the New Smyrna Gang but it is hard for things to stay the same when you get divorced and move. I will always miss hearing give me another piece of Pizza Steve in the same voice as Michael Keaton in Multiplicity. When I was trying to figure out why you- you are so young, my friend told me God takes his best and strongest people to help carry the load and bring everyone closer to Heaven. Well I rest better knowing you will be there to guide me in the end. Love to Lisa and the girls and if you need anything please let me know. God Bless You! Ellen
I met Marcus through a good friend of mine Gene Chaplo who worked day to day with Marcus at Aristocrat VW. Whenever I got to see Marcus at Gene & Karins house for parties or in Gene’s garage hanging out and yes even at the VW shop I found Him to be very funny and enjoyable to talk with and be around. I am sure He will be missed by many especially his family. Lisa be strong and trust in God’s word look to it for comfort and know that we all will be together in Heaven one day. I ask God to Bless you Lisa and the girls in His way as only He knows your needs. Be strong as I’m sure Marcus would want you to be. With God’s Blessings, John Thaens
Marcus-You have been one of my best friends for almost 20 years. We have been through a lot and made the best every step of the way. You let me use your VW with the obnoxious stereo system just to impress the girls in high school. We had a blast everytime you came to NSB to vist, and I was glad you finally moved over to the states. I remember the phone call how excited you were the first time you went out with Lisa, and people ask me all the time whos two beautiful girls picture I have in my living room. We had some big plans that were cut short. I miss you already bro… Barry
More than a freind, Marcus had those qualities to be one of our New Smyrna rat pack. Intelligent, funny, unassuming, a one for all and all for one attitude, a craftsman and most of all, a lust for living. He will be greatly missed but remembered often. John Mulford
Marcus, Marcus, Marcus, Where to begin? From the moment we met we had this perverted sense of humor that we could conceal by speaking in German. You are one of the few people I knew who could always produce a witty (usually completeley obnoxious ) funny as hell comeback! I remember the nite we introduced you to Lisa, You the “8mm Monster dressed in a skin tight suit of latex, face mask and all, Her the angelic cheerleader,pigtails and all, We all kept saying what a “cute” couple,the rest is history! I can’t remember ever seeing you in anything but a happy face,(with the exception of one time in a latex mask 🙂 I hold a fantastic memory of the last time we saw eachother you were as usual funny as hell and so proud to show off the “shrine” you had made in your toolbox of your beauitful wife and girls! I asked you ” how could something so sugar sweet and beautiful come from you ? And you said “I’m just damn Lucky”. The truth is they are the lucky ones to have had you as their daddy as we all are for having had you in our lives even if for a short time , I’ll take it, It’s better than to never have known you at all. Keep an eye out for us all and put in a good word. We will all miss you. “Ich Liebe Dich” Peace and Love Soni
Henri, I want to send my heart felt condolesence to you and to the family Rosie
Marcus was a great person and will be missed. Our prayers go to Lisa and the girls during this difficult time and you know we are here if you need anything at any time. Love, Roxanne & Rico and kids
Henri, Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Cindy Rooney
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3389951
Henrike and Family: Although, I did not know your son personally I am sure he was a wonderful person like his mom. I truly am sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in my prayers and thoughts. Pam Weatherly
Lieber Marc, ich werde dich nie vergessen, ich kann es nicht verstehen…. warum müssen immer die Besten so früh gehen… warum?????????? Ja, Gott braucht auch Gute im Himmel… das ist aber kein Trost für mich… Sage da oben meiner Schwester Gaby und meinem Papa liebe Grüße… Finde deinen Frieden, irgendwann werden wir uns alle Wiedersehen. Bis dahin werde ich dich in meinem Herzen tragen und sicher oft an dich denken und es sind nur gute gedanken an dich. Bis irgendwann Sweety. Tanja K.
(Unable to translate..)
Babelfish:
Dear Marc, I you will never forget, I cannot it not to understand…. why have always the best ones so early to go… why?????????? Yes, God needs also property in the sky… that is however no comfort for me… Legend there above my sister Gaby and my dad dear greetings… Find your peace, sometime become we all seeing again. Up to then I will carry you in my heart and am surely often of you think and it only good thoughts to you. To sometime Sweety. Tanja K.
Dear Lisa and Kids leider kann ich euch nicht in englisch schreiben. Ihr habt sicherlich eine sehr schwere Zeit vor euch, ich wünsche euch alle Kraft der Welt um diese Zeit durchzustehen. Marcus passt auf euch auf, da bin ich mir ganz sicher. Gott beschütze euch. Mein Beileid Tanja Kuhlmann
English Translation (rough):
Unfortunately, I can’t write in English.You have a hard time ahead of you, and I wish you all the strength in the world. God watches you and will protect you.My condolences to Tanja Kuhlmann.
Marcus was truly a one of a kind friend. He was so full of life and always put a smile on those around him. Marcus gave his all to everything he did in life all the way to the end. Marcus will continue to live on each and everyday through all of his friends who love him deeply. He will be greatly missed each and everyday and those who worked with him will miss him wach and every time they go to work. There are many lessons that can be learned from losing someone close. The lesson that we have learned from this is to cherish each and every day those whom you hold dear to you and always let them know how much you care. We loveand miss you Marcus!! Love, David, Tracey, and Aly
Just wanted to say what a great job Jeff Mathews did on the website. Thanks for the memories Jeff, this helped out alot!
I met Marcus when he came to one of my classes in Jacksonville. He started off as a student of mine, and quickly became my friend, first and foremost. Seeing the S2 come to fruition was a great feeling! The conversations we had about cars, children, life etc.. are going to be impossible to replace. He is a person that you wanted to share life with. His friendship was a great gift that I don’t know how to live without. We miss you! Randy, Allisha, & Emma Burnsworth
To the entire Trapane family, What a truly beautiful service for Marcus. The love was seeping from every person who attended. Marcus would have loved seeing all his “Boys” in a tie, then he would have made some funny comment on how well they all cleaned up. To Lisa , you are one of the strongest people I know, Marcus would be very proud to see how you handled all this with strength and grace for your girls. Our Deepest Sympathy, Soni Jerry and Lliam
Marc, I haven’t you seen for a long time. Too long as I realize now. I remember you taking care of all of us visiting you and none of us forgetting you. Many of us have you seen over there and it has been a wonderful time with you at New Smyrna. Once more we have to say goodbye to you. Be sure nobody will forget you since nothing will expire when staying in remembrance. My deep mark of sympathy for Lisa, the kids and the whole family. In these hard hours I wish you all the energy to overcome this hard lot. May the sorrow about the loss not overwhelm you but the remembrance of the time you spent together give you the power for the future. With deep sympathy for the grievous loss of your charming Marc. Sandra (Es Barzi)
Hey I am a old School frind of Marcus…. the message shocked me realy hard… Best regurds to his Family… Thorsten Laufer DC6WN Merzweiler Germany
People enter our life and accompany us for a while. Some stay forever because they leave their tracks in our hearts. Marc was a really close frind of mine while he lived in Katzenbach, Germany. I regret loosing contact with him and his family when they returned to the States. Although words seem to say so little, I hope they help in some small way to ease the sense of loss that you’re experiencing. Tommy
People enter our life and accompany us for a while. Some stay forever because they leave their tracks in our hearts. Marc was a really close frind of mine while he lived in Katzenbach, Germany. I regret loosing contact with him and his family when they returned to the States. Although words seem to say so little, I hope they help in some small way to ease the sense of loss that you’re experiencing. Tommy
Henri & family. I never got to see Marcus after I left Germany, I can only remember the little boy who was soon to go to school and his sister. I wish I could be with you to put my arms around you as I know your loss as I lost my grandson a year ago. My broken heart knows your broken one. My love to you and yours. Marge MacIvor
Henrika & Marcus’ wife & children – When Henrika called & gave me the news of Marcus it was very painful. Henrika & I have been friends for over 32 yrs – we lived next door to each other in Beavercreek, OH. We knew Marcus so well as a child as he played with our two sons. Then he left to live in Germany. 1993 he came to the states and I took Marcus & his friend Frank out for the evening what fun – me a 56 year old woman at the time with two good looking guys – I laugh because I wasn’t sure what to do with them that night – go to a bar!!! or what! We did – also to a restaurant. When the evening was over Marcus gave me a kiss on the cheek and a compliment – I will never that night. It was the last time I ever saw him. I know God will enjoy him in Heaven – he left much too early! Our prayers are with Marcus & his whole family. May God look after all of you. Thomasine Suazo & family
Sehr geehrte Frau Phillips, hallo Sevi!! Ich weiß nicht, ob sie sich noch an mich erinnern können, mein Name ist Karina und ich wohnte damals in Hauptstuhl.Zu der Zeit als ihr in Katzenbach wohntet, war Marc mein erster Freund. Als mich die Nachricht über sein versterben erreichte, war ich sehr traurig und geschockt. Ich kann es immer noch nicht glauben. Ich sende ihnen hiermit mein herzlichtes Beileid und finde keine Worte für das geschehene. P.S. Sevi, wenn du dieses liest, hoffe ich, dass du dich an mich erinnerst und einen Weg findest, um mit mir Kontakt aufzunehmen. Ich würde mich sehr freuen, da du damals einfach spurlos verschwunden warst!!! Vlg. Karina L.
Childhood Memory of Marcus – When Marcus was about 5 years old his father Walter, sister Severina and myself looked through some photographs of our early life in England, recalling our trips to Germany back and forth across the English Channel. Severina’s name was mentioned repeatedly. Marcus listened with great interest when he looked at me with his beautiful blue eyes and asked: Mommy, where was I? Since he had not yet been born I responded: You know Marcus, Mommy did not have you yet. You were still up in heaven with the Angles. Marcus thought for a moment and responded: Oh yes, now I remember, I saw you and I was watching you! I am trying very hard to find comfort in the thought that Marcus is an Angel now and watching out for us in heaven. I only wish he did not have to become an Angel so early in his life. My heart is bleeding. Marcus my son, words cannot describe my pain. I love and miss you. Your Mommy.
Lieber Marc, ich weiß du wirst diese Zeilen lesen,…ich hab dich 5Jahre nicht gesehen und kann es nicht glauben, das ich dich auf dieser Erde nie wieder sehen werde. Ich kann es nicht verstehen, ich werde mich solange ich noch hier bin an unsere gemeinsame Zeit und den Spaß den wir zusammen hatten erinnern. Leben kommt und Leben geht,…ich bin schwanger, vielleicht hat es irgendeine Bedeutung?! In Gedanken und in meinem Herzen wirst du immer bei mir sein! Kisses and Huges – Andrea (Schmidty)
Hallo Marc´s Familie Wir haben Marc vor 11 Jahren in Katzenbach (Germany) kennen und schätzen gelernt. Sein Tod hat uns tief berührt. Der Ehefrau und den Kindern wünschen wir alles Gute,viel kraft und Mut. Unser Beileid Gabi und Jürgen Katzenbach
Liebe Henrike! Wir trauern mit Dir, um Deinen geliebten Sohn, der zu früh aus Eurer Mitte gerissen wurde. Ein Schmerz, den eine Mutter nur ertragen kann, wenn der Rest der Familie und Freunde ihr zur Seite stehen.Wir sind in Gedanken bei Dir und wünschen Dir viel Kraft, um aus diesem Tal herauszukommen. Herzlichst Jim und Margrit
Henri, thank you for sharing the joy, as well as this painful loss, of being Marcus’ Mother — and for this wonderful website, a real tribute, to see some of his life and the comments of those who know and love him. Sandy
Auch mich hat der frühe Tod von Marc tief getroffen. Ich fühle mit der Familie und sende ihr mein herzliches Beileid. Jessika Schlimm Ramstein Germany (eine Schulkameradin)
Es war Gottes Wille das er Dich zu sich gerufen hat. Für uns alle ist es unfassbar und schmerzhaft unseren liebsten Neffen und Freund Marcus verloren zu haben. Wir werden Dich stets in unserem Herzen behalten und immer an Dich denken. Tante Anita und Onkel Dieter Oberlaender, Neu-Ulm Germany Tranlation: It was gods will that he summond you to his side. It’s so incomprehensible and heartbreaking for us to have lost our Nephew and friend. You are always in our hearts and will always be thinking of you. Aunt Anita und Uncle Dieter Oberlaender, Neu-Ulm Germany PS: May God bless you all – Sep. 2007
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lisa and her family today and always. We love and miss you all. Pete, Karie & Alexis Talke
I met Marcus through his Mother when he came for a visit to Sierra Vista. I took an immediate liking to him and found him to be considerate, witty, helpful and a loving son. I also had the privilege of observing his automobile knowledge and excellent craftsmanship; when his mother’s Buick got stuck in a monsoon flood and the engine died. Henrike called Marcus for advice, he immediately instructed her to pickup her car from the local Dealership to avoid additional diagnostic charges (the engine would need to be replaced). Marcus and his friend Todd flew in from Orlando and replaced the engine in less than one day. The technicians at the maintenance facility at Fort Huachuca’s auto crafts shop were surprised at the expertise of these two men. No words were needed between them, they worked without any questions, each knowing exactly what the other needed or was about to do. We took the car in at 08:30 in the morning and drove it home by 3:00 in the afternoon. Marcus’s greatest joy was that he had been able to help his mother. Both men refused to accept any compensation for their work. Marcus told his mother over and over again “Mom, I want to help you and it gives me great pleasure that I was able to do this for you”. Henrike still drives the Buick to this day. Only God knows why he called Marcus to be with him so soon. I know his mother misses him terribly and I miss him as well. Richard
lisa for some reason you came into my mind and then i see this? i am deeply sorry for your loss. our friendship was cut short due to a stupid argument that i deeply regret i never would have wished anything so tragic to happen to you. you are fortunate to have found the love of your life and created two beautiful girls. may god give you the strenght to heal.
Wolfgang: Hallo Sevi! Lange ist es her. Durch Zufall bin ich im Internet auf deinen Namen gestoßen. Wenn ich mich recht erinnere, war Marcus dein jüngerer Bruder. Mein herzliches Beileid sende ich dir, wo auch immer du bist. Ich wünsche dir und deiner Familie und der Familie alles Gute für die Zukunft. Wolfgang aus Heidelberg, früher Ramstein.
thought i forgot, didnt you? right back at ya…just as always..back and forth every year…as always buddy
happy birthday man
Lieber Marc das leben spielt einem schon komische streiche!! Vor deinem tragischem tod hab ich von dir geträumt und kaum eine woche später erfahre ich dass du verstorben bist. Es hat mich hart getroffen, zu hart!!! Vorgestern träumte ich schon wieder von dir und alles schien so real und das komische daran ist, das ich dir in meinem traum sagte ” Marc, denk immer daran egal was in der zukunft passiert ich werde dich immer lieben”! Was diese träume wohl zu bedeuten haben? Ich möchte das du weißt, das ich dich nie vergessen werde, du warst ein teil von meinem leben!!
Hi Sevi, meld dich doch mal bei mir! Karina
Volker Jung: Hallo Familie Phillips, Hallo Sevi, erst möchte ich an dieser stelle, auch im Namen meiner Eltern unser aufrichtiges Beileid aussprechen. Ich habe eben erfahren dass Marc letztes Jahr von uns gegangen ist. Die Nachricht traf mich wie ein Stich ins Herz, denn obwohl man Jahre lang keinen
Kontakt hatte, war man sich sicher dass man sich irgendwann wieder gegenüber steht. Marc war ein guter Mensch, und als solchen werden wir Ihn alle in unseren Herzen tragen.Den Verlust können tausend tröstende Worte nicht gutmachen, darum wünsche ich der ganzen Familie viel kraft und Gott Vertrauen.Volker Jung aus Katzenbach, (wir haben in der gleichen Straße gewohnt).
Liebe Familie Phillips, durch Zufall habe ich von Marcs tod erfahren. Ich bin tief getroffen und möchte Euch allen hiermit mein Beileid aussprechen. Unsere Wege kreuzten sich über Jahre immer wieder und ich habe Marc als einen freundlichen, hilfsbereiten und fröhlichen Menschen kennen und schätzen gelernt. Ich werde Marc in meiner Erinnerung und meinem Herzen weiterleben lassen. Liebe Sevi, ich weiß nicht ob du dich noch an mich erinnern kannst, ich bin die Cousine von Sascha, einem von Marcs besten Freunden aus der Schulzeit.
Dana, Queidersbach, Germany