Mark T. Frese, Retired Chief, Davenport Fire Department

Mark T. Frese, retired Davenport Fire Chief, passed away unexpectedly Friday, September 25, 2026, at his home in Davenport.

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Chief Frese will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Thursday, October 1, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 417 N. Main Street, Davenport with burial to follow. Visitation will be held from 3 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, 614 N. Main Street, Davenport with a time of sharing at the conclusion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Davenport Fire Antique and Restoration Society, Alzheimer’s Association, or American Heart Association.

Mark Thomas Frese was born on April 6, 1950, in Rock Island, Illinois, a son of Rosemary (McEvoy) and Glen Frese. He graduated from Assumption High School in 1968. He had been married to Debbie Sissel and later was united in marriage to Sue DeVine on May 19, 2000 in St. Lucia.

Chief Frese began his career with Davenport Fire Department on June 10, 1974, and rose through the ranks until he was named Chief on December 7, 2000. Chief Frese’s distinguished career with DFD spanned 37 years until his retirement on June 30, 2011.

Mark could show a tough exterior, but to those he knew and loved, he was a big softy. He had a great sense of humor, a quick wit, plenty of sarcasm, and was a “wee” bit stubborn. He could be brutally honest, never one to sugarcoat anything, Mark would tell you like it was.

Chief Frese’s love language was service. He was a jack-of-all-trades who could fix just about anything and was always willing to share his talents with someone who needed help. During his days off from the Fire Department, he owned and operated a construction company with Jim Carthey. His work ethic was incredible, and he wouldn’t stop until the job was done—and done right. Driving around Davenport, Mark was known to point out his handy work, whether it was a roof he had put on, a bathroom he had remodeled, or windows he had installed. He was a great craftsman and talented woodworker and in the last decade enjoyed helping build floats for the DeVine clan for the annual St. Patrick Society Parade.

When it came to family, Mark would drop everything to help. His daughter Nicole once claimed she had dropped her wedding ring down the drain just to get him to show up for his surprise birthday party. Of course, Mark came right over, ready to take care of the problem. He sent two rounds of children through Holy Family/All Saints Catholic School and was always willing to lend a hand to his family. He was often heard saying he was “Working for Jesus” and we know now he has earned his reward.

Mark had a passion for fishing, Notre Dame Football and Summer Shandy! Music was also a big part of his life, especially John Denver and the Muppets Christmas, Neil Young, The Byrds, Harry Chapin, and Irish Music to name a few. He even had a gig as a roadie with his brother, Pat, for the Night People.

Mark always seemed to know what needed to be done and how to get it done. Whether it was at work, home, helping family or friends, or working on another project, he was someone people knew they could count on.

Those left to honor Chief Frese’s memory are his wife, Sue, Davenport; children: Racquel (Paul Hart) Frese, Apollo Beach, Florida, Nicole (Joe) Reichwein, Davenport, Derrick Frese, Eldridge, Emma Frese, and Quinn Frese, both of Davenport; grandchildren: Zach, Lucas, McKenna Whitesides, Alexis, Tyler, Meghan Reichwein and Hunter and Abe Fascher; a brother and sister-in-law, Pat (Mary) Frese, Moline; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Patsy (Pete) Gravert, Paul (Sue) DeVine, Kathy (Kirk) Koster, Tim DeVine, Jim DeVine, David (Teri) DeVine, Carol (Doug) Aden, Jerry (Carrie) DeVine, and Jenni (Garret) Lam, as well as many adoring nieces and nephews, his fishing buddies, and his brothers and sisters of the Davenport Fire Department.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Michele Frese Fox and Theresa Frese Spooner and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Patrick and Marie DeVine. May they all rest in God’s eternal peace.

There are no words to truly describe how deeply the Davenport Fire Department has honored his service. The respect, love, and gratitude shown for his dedication and sacrifice mean more than words can express. We are incredibly grateful for the way they have recognized and honored all that he gave in service to others.