'Big-Hearted, Humble' Oswego Student Remembered For Kind Heart

OSWEGO, IL — Role model, kind man, loyal friend. Those are just a few of the words family friends used to describe 18-year-old Mark Chapas Jr., an Oswego East High School student who died unexpectedly Oct. 22.

"Mark not only protected those he loved and cared for but was also known for befriending and sticking up for the underdog," Ashley Gunderson, a family friend of the Chapas, told Patch in an email. "His friends will always remember him wearing a smile and doing whatever he could to make others laugh."

To help with funeral expenses, a fundraiser is being hosted at Culver's, 2781 Route 34, Tuesday, where 10 percent of all sales from the day will go to the family.

"The restaurant is a longstanding fundraising supporter that’s always looking for ways to give back to the community," Gunderson said. "Culver’s also happens to be a local hotspot for Oswego families and teens, including Mark and his friends, so it’s the perfect location for honoring Mark and raising funds to help his family."

In conjunction with the Culver's fundraiser — the restaurant will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. — a GoFundMe campaign was also started to raise money for the family. Starting a month ago, the fundraiser has since raised more than $14,000 with a goal of $20,000.

"No parent plans for the loss of a child or the significant expense that comes with it, and these costs continue to mount for Mark’s family even after his passing," Gunderson said.

A senior in high school, Mark was a well-recognized and respected member of the Class of 2022 and a captain of the defensive squad on the high school's football team. His sporting capabilities extended beyond football as he was also on the wrestling and track and field teams. Beyond sports at school, he took part in German club and Bible study club, Lambs Among Wolves.

Gunderson said the teen was a devout Catholic and volunteer at his local parish, where he completed service projects as a member of Boy Scouts. After high school, he planned to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps "to continue his lifelong commitment to service."

"On the field, Mark worked hard to defeat the competition," Gunderson said. "But off the field, he was best known for crushing stereotypes. Beneath Mark’s rugged, jock-like exterior was a big-hearted, humble young man."

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