Gilbert Herrin

Gilbert ""Mark"" Herrin age 48 of Waunakee passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2011 in Michigamme, Michigan. He was born on June 5, 1962 in Elmhurst, Illinois.  The son of William and Barbara Herrin.  He married Catherine Durkin on February 24, 1995 in Marquette, Michigan. After growing up in Lombard Illinois Mark attended Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology and then transferred to Lewis University graduating with a degree in airport management and philosophy.  He then went on to achieve his commercial airline pilot license while working at American Flyers as a mechanic and instructor.  After flying with American Eagle for many years he joined United Airlines as a pilot flying 727s, and Airbus's.  He was an active member of the Airline Pilot Association. Mark loved outdoor activities including, but not limited to camping, sailing, fishing, golfing, swimming, hiking, geocaching, downhill skiing, sledding with his sons, archery. and his new found love of waterparks. Mark died doing what he loved - snowmobiling, at the home of his heart - the UP.  Although flying was his life long passion, and few have the privilege to do it for a living, being in the UP among nature in all seasons was his heart and spirit rejuvenating joy. Mark's love of the UP was shared by his wife Catherine.  She was the love of his life and he was the love of her life.  He was a wonderful husband.  Mark and Catherine shared many passions but particularly that of being the best possible parents to their two wonderful boys.  Mark was the best dad ever.  His sons were the center of his life and he made all efforts to be the kind of father he knew they deserved.  Although a grown man he was still a child at heart when it came to spending time with his sons and his sons friends.  He loved showing them the wonders of his many hobbies.  He also provided guidance and assistance in all of their endeavors.  He loved watching his boys swim and could not have been prouder of their achievements. Mark wholeheartedly dove into supporting and assisting the success of his eldest son Christopher in his first year of scouting.  He shared a deep passion for all things mechanical - particularly snowmobiles - with his youngest son Alex. Mark is survived by his loving wife Catherine Durkin-Herrin and his two sons Christopher and Alex, his parents Barbara Herrin, William Herrin (Fran), his brother Steven Herrin, and his uncle Bill and aunt Pat, his mother in law Marguerite Durkin, brother in law Dan Durkin (Liz) his nieces and nephew Emily, David, Clare, Laura, Sarah, his sister in law Ruth-Margaret Durkin and too many dear friends and extended family to list.  He was preceded in death by his father in law James Durkin. Funeral services will be held on Wed. Feb 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St John's Catholic Church 209 South St Waunakee. Friends may call at the Winn-Cress Funeral in Waunakee on Tues. Feb 15, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Friends may also call at the church on Wed. from 10:00a.m until the time of services. The family asks that you please consider organ and tissue donation. Mark made a difference in up to 50 people's lives with his donations.