Mark W. Tarnow

Mark W. Tarnow, 65, passed away at his home in La Porte, Indiana, on Thursday, July 10, 2025, due to complications of diabetes.

Mark was born at Holy Family Hospital in La Porte, Indiana, on Oct. 11, 1959, to Wayne L. and Frances J. (Hall) Tarnow. He graduated from La Porte High School in 1978 and earned a bachelor's degree in industrial supervision from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. He previously worked in international sales and ran an ignition interlock system business locally. He was retired at the time of his passing.

Mark had a big heart and many friends. He was the type of person who never met a stranger and would eagerly help anyone in need. Talented in all aspects of industrial arts, Mark could repair almost anything.

He delighted family and friends with his creative furniture upcycling projects, building unique items such as a lamp from a trombone, coffee tables from drums, hall trees from skis and storage systems from antique trunks.

He was an excellent storyteller, family historian and armchair philosopher, willingly sharing his wisdom and sage advice. Mark was known for his quick wit and sense of humor.

He loved to ski and enjoyed listening to many kinds of music. Mark played drums in several area bands and occasionally sang. One of his favorite pass times was spoiling his two nieces, taking them on skiing adventures, to live music events and on day trips to Chicago.

Mark is survived by his sisters, Ann (John) Sheehan of Deer Isle, Maine, and Amy Tarnow of La Porte, Indiana; and his nieces, Abi (Kiyan) Tarnow-Allaei of Thornton, Colorado, and Clare (Spencer) Sheehan-Kolzow of Indianapolis, Indiana. He is also survived by his aunts, Sonja (the late Wendell) Tarnow of La Porte, Indiana, and Kathleen (Steve) Blamer of White Plaines, Maryland; and uncle, J. Patrick (Patricia) Hall of Kingsport, Tennessee; as well as many beloved cousins, with whom he remained close over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Francie Tarnow; and grandparents, Lawrence and Velma Tarnow, and Earl and Mary Margaret Hall.

A celebration of life will be held for Mark on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at Bendix Woods, Van Paris Shelter from 1 to 6 p.m. Eastern Time.