Mark Gregory Berner

Mark Gregory Berner, a man who brought warmth, laughter, and love to everyone he met, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024, just days before his 79th birthday. Born in Ashland, Ohio, on September 15, 1945, he spent his childhood in Ravenna, Ohio with his sister, Marcia Fortman, and parents, Elsie and Joseph Berner (deceased).

Mark lived a life full of passion, creativity, and dedication to his family and friends. Mark’s story began with his enrollment in the U.S. Naval Academy in 1963. Although his time there was brief, it led him to the most important chapter of his life—meeting Kathy, the love of his life. In true Mark fashion, their love story was a whirlwind, with an engagement just three weeks after they met and a wedding three months later on April Fool’s Day in 1967. It was a day that perfectly captured Mark and Kathy’s love for life and humor. For 57 years, Mark and Kathy built a life together filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. They were inseparable. Mark was a devoted father to Kimberly Whipple and Shelly Stockton, who were the center of his world. He was a constant source of wisdom, love, and support, always ready with a listening ear and thoughtful advice. His daughters, along with their husbands Cory Whipple and Bret Stockton, blessed Mark with grandchildren who adored their grandpa as much as he adored them. Josh Whipple (and his wife Alex), Chase Whipple (and his wife Emily), Brooke Stockton, and Ryan Stockton were the light of Mark’s life. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Amelia Whipple, who brought even more joy to his already full heart. Mark leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that will continue to live on through his wife Kathy, his daughters, their families, his sister Marcia, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mark’s journey was one of entrepreneurship, adventure, and joy. He was the proud founder of Anlyn Systems, Inc., a business he named after the middle names of his daughters, Kimberly and Shelly. Together with his wife Kathy, Mark poured his heart into building the company. But Mark was so much more than a businessman. He was an artist at heart, finding peace and joy in creating art and tending to his garden. He loved coaching softball, playing trivia, and sharing his love of poker with friends and family. Known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, Mark never missed an opportunity to tell a joke, especially a good dad joke. He had a unique ability to make everyone feel like an old friend, even if they had just met. Once you were important to him, you were family.

After retiring in 2000, Mark and Kathy fulfilled their dream of living in the Bahamas, where they spent 20 years soaking in the sun and enjoying each other’s company. In recent years, they moved closer to family, cherishing the time spent with loved ones who meant the world to them. Mark Berner was a man who made an impact on everyone he met. His laughter, kindness, and the way he made you feel like you were the most important person in the room will be deeply missed. He was the heart of his family, the friend everyone wished they had, and the patriarch who held everything together. Mark’s spirit will live on in the memories of those who loved him. Rest easy, Mark—you’ve left an indelible mark on our hearts, and your legacy will continue to shine bright.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life honoring Mark on Sunday, September 22 at 1:00pm in the OLEC Building at 2323 West Street, Germantown, TN. Reception to immediately follow