Mark Ivan Eisenberg
Mark Ivan Eisenberg, a native St. Louisan and long-time resident of the Hi-Pointe neighborhood, left us suddenly of a heart attack, just a few days short of his 78th birthday. A dear son of Albert and Pearl Eisenberg, Mark is survived by his loving family of brother, Norman (Karen MacCausland) of St. Louis County, sister Linda Gordon (David) of Sacramento, CA, special friend Ron Landt of St. Louis, four nephews, three great-nieces, and a great-nephew.
Mark actively demonstrated his love for and pride in his home community in several ways. He was a docent at the St. Louis History Museum for many years, specializing in the 1904 World’s Fair. Mark returned to the museum to help visitors enjoy the recent opening of the spectacular new exhibit that features a larger model of the fairgrounds plus related exhibits. He amassed an extensive collection of vintage postcards that feature scenes and buildings from St. Louis’ long-ago past, as well as the St. Louis Zoo. For many years in his retirement Mark sold framed enlargements at area craft shows.
He was an active member of the1904 World’s Fair Society and public service/social groups Prime Timers St. Louis (PTSL) and StepUp St. Louis, as well as the Landmarks Association of St. Louis and Gateway Postcard Club.
In recent years more of his time than any other activity, however, was devoted to talking with visitors, both locals as well as those from far and wide, at the overlook of the Grand Basin in front of the St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. He considered his position as something of an ambassador and educator regarding his beloved home town. Often several times per week he would jog through the Zoo to reach his favorite spot and gently approach visitors to ask if they were interested in learning more about St. Louis. An added feature of these discussions was to present a list that he had compiled of 41 St. Louis fun facts.
Mark’s early life became difficult when he developed severe childhood asthma. After he did not respond satisfactorily to local medical care, when he was 12 his desperate parents sent him to a noted children’s treatment and research home in then clear-aired Denver, CO, where he lived for nearly two years during which there was only minimal contact with his family, as required of the residents.
A graduate of University City Senior High class of 1964, he spent several years as a valued associate at a family-owned janitorial supply company near Union Station, where he mostly worked the counter while gaining vast knowledge of the store’s offerings. After the company was sold, he worked for a midtown St. Louis vending machine business until 1999, when he was knocked out and hospitalized by a baseball bat attack during a robbery in which the owner was killed. Lingering effects included especially a loss of most of his sense of taste, which surely must have contributed to his passion for something that overcame that disability: tasty chocolates.
Perhaps fittingly, Mark’s last activity before he died was to enjoy a show at the Muny.
Mark was a wonderful friend for over 40 years. He and I shared an interest in the 1904 World’s Fair, St. Louis Radio, and St. Louis Architectural History. He visited at my place recently and we listened to recording of St. Louis Radio programs and personalities. He told me that his brother Norman had recorded many of these to share with Mark when he returned from treatment in Colorado.
I miss Mark already, and I know I will for years to come. He was a very loyal friend over the years.
Love you, Mark.
Mark was an avid volunteer for Prime Timers St. Louis. He was a member of the Board of Directors, and provided the food and drinks for the membership meetings. He will always be remembered for his easy-going manner and helpful attitude. His most famous and humorous quote was when he would get off the phone with you, saying “I’ll get lost now… and show you how it’s done.”
We are saddened to hear about Mark’s passing and he will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful neighbor and we always enjoyed listening to his interesting stories about the 1904 World’s Fair. We know his contributions to the history of St. Louis will be cherished by everyone for many years to come.
I have many fond memories of chatting with Mark at the Jewish Chavurah. He was a real mensch.