Mark D. Cornell, of Portage, Michigan, returned home to heaven on September 22, 2026, following cardiac arrest. He was 57 years old. Born on January 20, 1969, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Mark lived a life filled with love, laughter, strength, and deep devotion to the people he loved most.

A 1987 graduate of Parchment High School, Mark carried an energy through life that reflected his active spirit. He enjoyed staying busy, whether he was working out, going on bike rides, or simply spending time outdoors. Among his happiest routines were the long walks he shared with his wife and their dog, BoBo. He was also a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan, cheering them on through every season. And with the long blond hair he sported in his younger years, one could say he was destined to be a Vikings fan.

Mark was truly one of a kind. Extroverted and outgoing, he could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He was goofy, quick to laugh, and rarely missed a chance to make others laugh too. He had a habit of making up songs about whatever was happening around him, turning ordinary moments into memories. When his daughters participated in Girls on the Run as children, Mark created his own theme song: “Girls on the run, girls on the run, and when they're done I'll pick them up in the Lumina,” referring to the car he drove at the time. It was quintessentially Mark; he found humor in everyday life.

Alongside his humor was tremendous strength. Mark was brave and resilient, meeting life's challenges with a determination that those closest to him will never forget. A few years before his passing, Mark faced prostate cancer and beat it, a victory that reflected the strength and fighting spirit he carried throughout his life. Yet Mark was never defined by the challenges he faced. He loved deeply, lived authentically, and continued to fill the lives of those around him with laughter, personality, and countless stories worth telling.

Nothing meant more to Mark than his family. One of the greatest joys of his life was becoming a father to his twin daughters, Amanda and Sarah, on April 9, 1997. He shared a profound bond with them and was a loving, supportive, and immensely proud father. He often reminded them that he was proud of them for simply being good people. With Sarah, he shared long conversations about God and life, always listening and encouraging her to follow her dreams. In Amanda's kind heart and fierce spirit, Mark saw qualities that reminded him of his beloved mother, Grace, a comparison that carried special meaning because of how deeply he loved and admired his mother.

Mark cherished his relationship with Rosealie Cornell, whom he married on August 25, 2001. Their life together was a source of lasting happiness, companionship, and love.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Rosealie; his daughters, Amanda and Sarah; his stepson, Thomas Cox; and his grandchildren, Oliver and Delilah. He is also survived by his sister, Sarah (Steve) Motter; his brothers, Mike, Jason, and Keith (Deb) Cornell; his niece, Cheyenne Cornell; his nephew, Mikel D. Cornell; and many other beloved nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Grace Cornell, and his father, Keith Cornell.

Mark's memory will live on in the stories his family will continue to tell, within the laughter he brought so easily to others, in the silly songs that could turn an ordinary moment into a cherished memory, and in the strength he encouraged in the people he loved. Most of all, he will live on through his family, in their humor, their kindness, their faith, and the pieces of himself that he left with each of them. He will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and warmly remembered.

A celebration of life will be held at the Salvation Army, 1700 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001, on Saturday, November 14th, 2026 at 11:00 am, followed by a gathering of friends and family in the fellowship hall.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Mark's guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Cornell family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.