Mark Allen

Tagtmeyer

Mark Allen Tagtmeyer, 71, of rural Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at his home at 8:32 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Born on January 21, 1955, in Columbia City, Indiana, he was the son of the late Richard D. and Leah “Ruth” (Manley) Tagtmeyer. Growing up on a farm in Columbia Twp. he graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1973. Mark earned a private and commercial pilot’s license in the 1970s, followed by an aerial applicator license earned in Albany, Georgia, in the early 1980s.

On January 16, 1988, he married Jeanne E. Brown. They made their home on a farm in Columbia Twp. raising a daughter and stepdaughter.

Passionate about farming, he followed in his father's footsteps, working on the family farm and becoming the owner-operator. Additionally, he operated Tagtmeyer Aerial Service, providing crop-dusting services throughout the area. He also installed field tile drainage systems for farmers in the area. Mechanically inclined, he did carpentry and woodworking, using his skills to remodel homes and build furniture for his home and rental properties.

He was a fan of antique tractors and the vintage hit-and-miss engines of the early 20th century. He restored old gas engines, tractors, and participated in area antique tractor shows.

Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Jeanne; his daughter, Sarah (Scott Chanley) Tagtmeyer; a stepdaughter, Mary (Jonathan) Schulz of Plainfield; four step-grandchildren, Chance, Heidi, Skyla, and Gretel; and a sister, Marsha Roth of Fort Wayne.

Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov 18th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The funeral service is at 11 a.m. Thursday (Nov 19th) at the funeral home, with visitation one hour before. Burial is at the Nolt Cemetery.

Memorials in Mark’s honor are to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.