Mark "Slammy" R. Jackson

Mark R. “Slammy” Jackson, 69, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on June 18, 1957, in Seattle, Washington to Donald and Dorothy (Bergstrom) Jackson. On August 22, 1981 he was united in marriage to Karen Gabler in Wheeling, Illinois. They shared 44 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with twin sons, Case and Sayer.

Mark worked as an IT Project Manager in software development and owned his own company, Stadtech, for 13 years. He proudly served in the United States Air Force as a musician. Music was his lifelong passion, and for more than 50 years he shared his talent as a bass player, including performing with the United States Air Force Band during his time in the service. 

Mark loved playing disc golf, especially family trips to Flip City in Shelby, Michigan, and, in his younger years, fishing. He never passed up a good game of cards, particularly Euchre, Poker, Bridge, and Sheepshead. He treasured camping trips with his family and took great pride in coaching his sons in baseball and basketball alongside his wife. Above all, he was a man of faith and cherished his relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether sharing laughter, making memories, or pitching Nerf baseball in the house to his kids or grandkids, he was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved. 

Survivors include his loving wife, Karen; son, Sayer (Abbie) Jackson; grandchildren, Cale and Jorie Jackson; daughter-in-law, Heather Jackson-Mordini; granddaughter, Rylee Jackson; father, Donald Jackson; stepmother, Hilda Button; sister, Nancy (Mac) McCracken and many other extended family members. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Case Jackson; mother, Dorothy Jackson; and sisters Lisa Messina and Jill Foresto. 

A celebration of Mark's life will be held on August 15 at 1:00 p.m. at Highland Community Church in Marathon (800 River Rd, Marathon City, WI 54448).