Mark David Taylor passed away March 21, 2025, at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll from complications after surgery. Born January 8, 1963, his radiant spirit and fun-loving nature left a lasting impression on all who met him.
Mark was the son of Wayne and Jean Taylor. He attended school in Jefferson and graduated with the class of 1981. During high school, Mark participated in the Special Olympics, winning several medals. He had a passion for cycling, with his favorite memory riding RAGBRAI with his Aunt Sue. After graduation, Mark attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg. He relocated to Minneapolis, MN, where he worked for various bakeries.
He met the love of his life, Barb, and they married in 1987. Eventually they established their home in Carroll. Mark worked for Carroll Kuemper Schools for 27 years.
Mark was the guy who was always on the move. He always had to be doing something, whether it was tinkering in his shed or visiting family and friends. Even sitting still, he stayed informed by reading the newspaper and listening to the scanner. His family will always treasure his stories.
Mark was especially devoted to his family. He is remembered for his hugs, his “short” people jokes, and his smile that would light up the room. He never missed an opportunity to be with family and attended all reunions, graduations, and weddings. His dad was his buddy, and they spent many hours working on wood projects. They talked often and Mark would often say, “I’m okay dad.”
As we bid farewell to Mark, we celebrate a life filled with courage, strength, and kindness. He met all challenges head on. If you knew him, you were lucky, and if you were family, you were blessed with the best. Gone but never forgotten. Till we met again.
Mark is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Barb; his parents Wayne and Jean Taylor of Jefferson; his “sis” Ann Renae (Ryan) Ries of Cedar City, UT; nephews Nick Ries of Minneapolis, MN, Justin Meiners of Brighton, Trenton (Nicole) Meiners of Huxley, and Jesse B. of Emmetsburg; great-nephew “Little Man” John Beau Meiners; brother-in-law Paul (Mary) Dorweiler of Ankeny; sisters-in-law Alice Dorweiler of Emmetsburg and Virginia Dorweiler of Fort Dodge; and several cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
The family is assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson, 515-386-2171.
