Mark Louis Milanich

Mark Louis Milanich, 63, of Galena, IL, completed his earthly journey suddenly on October 9, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by beloved life partner, Renee Tibbetts, his sister Kira Milanich, nephew Elias (Eli) Milanich, many cousins and in-laws, ex-wife Gabrielle Milanich, being a continuing inspiration through his art to countless keepers of his creations from around the world. He was preceded in death by his loving mother and father, Carol (Williams) and Robert Milanich.

Born on September 11, 1962, in Bloomington, IL, Mark came into this life richly blessed with sensitivity, vision, and a depth of perspective and emotion. As a young child he was fortunate to have the foundation of small-town living, enjoying participating in Little League, fishing, and so tenderly caring for a menagerie of small animals. Later, after moving to Morton Grove, IL as a young boy, he made lasting friendships while enjoying the adventures only teenaged boys can create. As a young man, Mark began to forge a character based on justice and peace; his was an appreciative, liberal perspective lasting throughout his life. He was also a rarity in that he applied his brilliant and deeply creative mind so diligently at the law firm of Benjamin, Gussin, Kallick, Erlich & Aronow for much of his adult life, contributing to the peace of mind of countless clients over the years. He was proud and fond of writing effective code for programs automating the process for estate planning. Wearing many hats throughout the years at his “day” job with the firm, he created for himself and family a professional stability, all while slowly developing his deeper vocation.

For his life’s passion was inarguably rooted in his artist’s hand and soul. Mark had the unique gift to see through to the spirit hidden in mundane objects that others would pass by, first in his creative writing, followed by wood carving, and most successfully as a lapidary artist, working with metal, stones and minerals. Cutting and grinding them into cabochons destined to become such exquisite pieces of jewelry, he approached each stone in such a way that allowed their hidden beauty to be revealed. It’s not an exaggeration to say he had the spirit of a Michelangelo within him, seeing what the metal, stone or mineral wanted to reveal and bringing that forth so beautifully and gracefully. He had a deceivingly subtle eye for form, movement and shape that could elevate a stone found on the shores of Lake Michigan into a work of art. It was undeniably his life’s passion. Melding that artist’s soul with a keen mind, he so very successfully owned and operated Earthly Icons Gems and Jewelry for over 14 years. He thrived in every hour he spent allowing his creativity to flow from his heart, through his hands and right into his newest project.

He was also a very gifted musician who could play guitar, piano and the saxophone. Music was a driving force in his life and even though he possessed an extremely eclectic taste in all music genres, Mark found each one to provide just the right environment for his mind to soar freely. He had a singing and speaking voice that was smooth, yet he could also be given to fits of laughter and goofy voices. A highlight for Mark was performing in a local drama group the roles of Wolf and Prince in the production of Into the Woods. Typically reserved in demeanor, he emerged shining when on stage. And if that was not enough, he also poured heart and soul into feeding his friends and family the most delicious meals. He could imagine and develop flavors, elevating even the most simply of meals into the experience of dining at a Michelin starred restaurant.

Mark was also fortunate to have discovered in mid-life the landscape that set his imagination aflame. The desert southwest, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, those were his happy places. So impressively, he ventured into the Utah backcountry to spend days in solitude, hiking rugged territory, taking in the depth of red rock and canyon, challenging himself in ways that afforded him years of contemplation and self-understanding. Conversely, Scotland, with its verdant green forest and stony mountains, was the place he said his soul called “home”. While he worked hard at bettering not only his professional persona, he even more so and most importantly, continually worked to learn and remain true to his psyche.  

While a perfectionist at heart, striving to manifest any idea into the best version of itself, Mark also loved deeply and fiercely. The oft-used phrase “Still waters run deep” is an apt description of his loving, passionate and creative character. The love he felt for Renee, his life partner, his sister Kira and nephew Eli, as well as so many friends and family members, was often so deeply conveyed to those around him. Meeting Renee, his life partner and settling in Galena with her, set free an unbounded joy and his abundantly creative soul, his love for her allowing him to soar in pursuit and development of his life’s passion. What a gift to receive later in life!

Mark was an extraordinary human being: kind-hearted, generous, and a loving and insightful best friend. The loss of his presence in our lives leaves in its wake an equal amount of extraordinary heartbreak. Such is the case with those we meet who house such wondrous souls. Although our grief is profound, we are the better for having had his presence in our lives. In his character, his artistry, his tenderness, kindness, and depth, he will remain forever in our hearts, making them so much the fuller than they were before.

To honor Mark’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences for Mark’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com