Mark Steven Stich

Mark Steven Stich, age 53, of Plantation, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on October 3, 2016. Born on November 21, 1962, in Evansville, Ind., Mark grew up in Plantation, where he attended Plantation High School and excelled in track and field, cross country, and academics. He received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., where he was a member of the class of 1985 and a proud A4 Apache. He graduated with a bachelor’s of science in mechanical engineering and proudly served in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Captain. Mark met and married his beloved wife, Kim Fournier Stich, while stationed at Fort Riley in Manhattan, Kan., in 1989. He was the executive officer of the U.S. Armor School there. He was later transferred to Fort Knox, Ky., and served with the 12th Cavalry until returning to civilian life in 1989. Mark and Kim then moved to Green Bay, Wis., where he was employed as a Process Improvement Manager with Schneider Transportation and Logistics. While in Green Bay, Mark enjoyed hunting, fishing, and football. In 1993, they moved back to his home in Plantation, Fla., to be closer to family. He welcomed his precious daughter, Katy, into their family in 1995 while working as a Senior Account Manager for Otis Elevator Company. He advanced in his career as an engineering consultant and was most recently employed as a Senior Consultant and Project Manager with Elevator Consulting Services, Inc. He worked with many local and international companies, ensuring elevator safety and worked on cutting edge technology projects with Space X and NASA. Mark was happiest when he was out on the ocean on his Mako fishing with his family. Each summer, he rallied the Stich family in their quest for lobsters during their annual vacation in the Florida Keys, entertaining all with his wit and antics. Mark was dedicated to his daughter, Katy, and loved teaching her everything from riding her first bike to fishing and driving the boat. He never missed a volleyball game. He was her captain, coach, father, friend and hero. Mark also enjoyed hosting friends and family poolside and watching sports with his wife, Kim, while relaxing and playing with their dogs, Cassie and Daisy. Mark is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Kimberly Fournier Stich; daughter Katy Anne Stich; parents Arthur Lee Stich and M. Joyce Nall Stich; brother, David Alan Stich (Carrie); niece, Julie Brianne Stich, of Fairbanks, Alaska; nephews Daniel Lee Stich, of Pleasant Valley, Alaska, and Christopher Scott Stich (Andrea), of Gainesville, Fla. He was predeceased by his brothers Scott Lee Stich and Brian Stanton Stich. He will also be lovingly remembered by his extended family in Louisville, Ky., and Manhattan, Kan., as well as many military brethren, professional colleagues, and friends.