Mark E. Smith

Mark E. Smith, 66, of Benton Harbor, passed away surrounded by his wife Julie, stepdaughter Rachel, sister Samantha and best friend Ron on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 6, at 2 PM with Father Jack Pfeiffer officiating at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St, Joseph. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mark was born November 22, 1959, in Benton Harbor, Michigan and was lovingly raised by his mother, Justine (Krieger) Drake and adoptive father, Oscar Smith. He graduated from Watervliet High School in 1978 and continued his education at Lake Michigan College, where he earned a degree in welding.

After college, Mark pursued a career in the printing business, starting at Patterson Printing. He later worked for Tesar Printing, which was acquired by Scientific Notebook; he remained with the company until his retirement in October 2024.

On August 12, 2003, Mark married Julie (Patulski) Borgerding in Niagara Falls, NY.

In 2009, Mark was diagnosed with a brain tumor. For the next 17 years he bravely endured numerous surgeries and treatments, facing each challenge with courage and determination.

Mark was a devoted husband. He and his wife Julie enjoyed eating out. Mark absolutely loved his desserts; no pie was safe around him. Mark was a true handyman; always ready to help others in need. He liked to tinker around the house and share his skills where needed. He took great pride in his garden at the farm, spending months in the greenhouse nurturing seedlings before planting and later harvesting the fruits of his labor. He also loved fishing for salmon and perch on Lake Michigan and the inland lakes, finding deep joy in those quiet days on the water. He especially enjoyed spending time with his beloved dog Lacey.

Mark is survived by his wife, Julie Smith; stepdaughter Rachel Borgerding; siblings, Karen Gonzalez, Scott (Rhonda) Smith, and Samantha Childress; adoptive father Oscar Smith; nieces, Falon Roberts and family, and Allix Murphy; nephews, Josh Admave and family, and Joseph Gonzales; uncle, Rodney (Sharron) Krieger; brother-in-law, Douglas (Darlene) Patulski; best friend & honorary brother, Ron Wycoff, his beloved dog Lacey and family cat Kimba. He was preceded in death by his mother, Justine Drake.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan or The Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.