Karl Mark Kreher

December 10, 1946 - November 7, 2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Brother Karl Mark Kreher on November 7th. He was known by his middle name, Mark. His lifetime was a continual pursuit of beauty, knowledge and spirituality. He suffered no fools, but was generous to a fault. He was known for his investment prowess, his great blues harmonica playing and his love of a good story.

Mark was born in Tampa Florida in December 10th 1946 to Martha (née Deterling) and Karl Kreher. His father Karl, was a pioneer in creating affordable housing for returning WWII veterans. Mark, an only child, had his young world rocked when his father died tragically in an airplane crash in 1963. Raised in Tampa, he later went on to study Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Upon graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Justine Linforth, and joined the U.S. Navy. He served on the aircraft carrier Enterprise including a tour in Vietnam. Returning to the United States, he moved to Los Angeles and started a successful commercial photo studio in the advertising industry. In 1968, they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Justine.

Mark changed careers, focusing on investing and local Beverly Hills politics. He returned to college going to the USC where he earned his MBA in 1989. By 1998, he was settled in Santa Monica CA, and married the love of his life, Mary Marlow (née Ciesziak), a former graduate school classmate. They formed a great team whose partnership spanned business, the arts and politics.

After a few attempts at retiring – each marked by corresponding epic parties - he closed his office in 1998. Mary and Mark then traveled the world, exploring different cultures with passion. Their art-curated Ocean Park home was the site of many wonderful gatherings with flowing conversations, fine food and great music.

Mark was great man, father, husband, and son. He will be missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Marlow; his daughter Justine Kreher; and her partner, Tara Kleca. Memorial services are pending.