Mark Patrick O'Heir

Mark O'Heir of Dana, Indiana relinquished his earthly duty on Saturday, March 28, 2026 after a short battle with cancer comforted until the end by the love of his life, Laurie. He fought like the true warrior he was.

He was born to James and Beverly (Beckman) O'Heir on November 23, 1959 in La Jolla, CA. He lived in various locations growing up as well as in his adult life upon joining the United States Coast Guard in 1981. Mark proudly served his country for 27 years and 10 months. Throughout his career, he was able to travel to various parts of the country as well as Japan and the Caribbean.

Upon retirement from the USCG he served as the Emergency Management Director for Vermillion County, Indiana for 16 years until his retirement in October 2025 strengthening partnerships across District 7 and supporting neighboring counties during times of need. During this time, he was a member of Indiana Task Force 7, assisting with hurricane, tornado and wildfire response. He served on the Indiana District 7 Healthcare Coalition for many years. He was honored by the state of Indiana receiving the Indiana Homeland Medal of Merit for his service.

Mark met the love of his life, Laurie, in 1995 in North Dakota while doing a tour at the LaMoure Omega Station of the USCG. They became best friends, and when it was time for his tour to end Mark always said, "I looked in the back seat while filling gas to leave and I saw Laurie and her three girls, Jocelyn, Nicole, and Jessica in the back seat." Mark also had three children, Jeanette, Sean, and Jimmy, so together they felt like the Brady Bunch when they all got together in the summer at Laurie's parents' farm in Fullerton, ND.

Mark enjoyed life to its fullest riding his Harley and traveling. Many trips throughout the past years were to Isla Mujeres, MX. Mark felt at home there and had hoped to make it a more permanent home, but the Lord had a different plan of duty for him. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories to his friends and family from near and far. Mark always had a story to tell and was the life of the party. His favorite team was 'Da Bears and loved watching them on Sunday.

Papa had and always will have a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. Whenever Grace (Bear), Gabe, or Logan came around you could see through the sparkle in his bright blue eyes how deeply he loved each one of them. Even the little bump he affectionately named Phylis could feel how much he loved her.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Lynn Fernandez and brother, Michael O'Heir. He is survived by one sister, Susanne Champion.

He is survived by his wife Laurie of 29 years; his children Jocelyn Pollard (Nate), Nicole Gohman (Gaurav Vajaria), Jessica Keenen (Levi); his grandchildren Grace, Gabriel, Logan,

and baby Vajaria. Mark shared a special bond with his niece Heather Utset and was loved by countless others whose lives he touched, especially his best friend Roger Richardson.

A private memorial service will be held at a later time to honor Mark's life and legacy. Mark will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love he gave so freely and the light he brought to lives around him.

Cremation has been entrusted to DeBaun Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.debaunfuneralhomes.com