Mark Alan Sobecki

On Feb. 27, 2023, Mark passed away peacefully after a short battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma). Mark was surrounded by family and was being cared for at Miller's Merry Manor in La Porte, Indiana, at the time of his passing. He was 69 years old.

Mark Sobecki was born in Michigan City, Indiana, on April 6, 1953. He was the child of Louis and Ann (Ladra) Sobecki, both preceding him in death. Mark is survived by three siblings, Joann (John) Dillard, Louis (Georgianne) Sobecki and Patrick Sobecki.

On April 20, 1974, Mark married Deborah (McKee) Sobecki. Together they had four children, Alan "AJ" (Katie) Sobecki, Jeremy (Jennifer) Sobecki, Danielle (Mike) Combs and Tara (Andy) Bush.

Years ago, Mark was the owner of The Woodshed and Sawmill in La Porte. He was a talented woodworker and created beautiful custom work displayed in homes, businesses and churches. He also enjoyed sharing his talents and love by building memorable pieces for his family members that are still treasured today.

Later, Mark worked for the city of La Porte at the Water Department. You could often see him downtown installing and maintaining the irrigation systems in the flower planters in his unique Akubra hat from Australia. He shared his knowledge of water systems and treatment with those he knew and was always willing to help when needed. He valued the friendships and relationships developed with city employees.

Most recently, Mark was an award-winning taxidermist. His art was known and loved by many, and he enjoyed learning and growing with other taxidermists in the state of Indiana and beyond. He taught classes, collaborated with others and entered competitions to improve and share his skills. His work will be treasured for years to come by customers, as well as grandchildren, nieces and nephews, whose first fish he often mounted ... no matter how small.

Mark was an avid outdoorsman. His love for the outdoors has been passed to his children and grandchildren. He loved to hunt, fish, hike, kayak, camp and garden. He was an artist in many ways and loved to help with projects of all kinds.

Mark was a long-time parishioner of Holy Family Parish and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church. Spending time with his family was one of his favorite things to do, and he took pride in hosting family gatherings that were always extended to friends that he treated and loved as family.

If you asked Mark what his biggest accomplishment in life was, he would tell you "his children." He was so proud of the people they have become and considered them his biggest success.

Mark is survived by his wife; children; father-in-law, Leland McKee; and 10 grandchildren, Madeline Sobecki, Abigail Singleton, Olivia Combs, Jacqueline Sobecki, Brenna Sobecki, Samantha Combs, Brayden Sobecki, Drew Bush, Sophia Bush and Natalie Combs.

He was lovingly known to his grandchildren (and other children who know and love him) as Happ, short for Happy Grandpa. He made a special effort to share his knowledge and love of the outdoors with them and these special memories will live on forever with them. Mark is also survived by 19 nieces and nephews, many cousins and great-nieces and -nephews.

Mark generously donated his body to the Anatomical Education Program at Indiana University School of Medicine. This gift will contribute significantly to the advancement of health science education in the state of Indiana. Those, like Mark, who decide to bequeath their bodies to the health science, have made a significant contribution that benefits the quality of life and care for the living.

A memorial Mass will take place on Monday, March 13, at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C St. in La Porte.

Mark was a fun individual who did things his own way. He strongly felt that instead of a traditional visitation in a funeral home, he would rather us celebrate his life with a party. Therefore, we invite all family, friends of the family, and those who knew Mark to join us in celebrating his life at a gathering that will take place on Monday, March 13, at 4-8 p.m. at the VWF, 181 W. McClung Rd., La Porte.