Mark Kerrn

     Mark Kerrn, or Kerrnie, as most people would fondly call him, was called to rest after a valiant battle with not one, but two, terminal illnesses. Since 2018, Mark had been fighting a private diagnosis with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  Then tragically, in September of 2025, our world was shaken again, when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer that had spread throughout his body.  His fight came to an end at his home, that he was fiercely proud of, in the arms of his loving wife.  Born in Mishawaka, IN in 1964, Mark remained in the area until his passing, and was an active community member.

     In 1988, Kerrnie took his first steps into Jimtown High School as a teacher and coach, where he often would brag that “he never left” until the time he came to retire in 2022.  During his 35-year tenure, Mark was a beloved US History Teacher who loved to “tell stories” and chat about Current Events with his students.  He cherished helping students to think for themselves and always showed grace when students needed an extra hand.  He loved to share that over the course of his “dream job” he was able to educate over 6,000 students in not just History, but life as well. 

     Beyond the classroom, Kerrnie was a motivator and champion of Jimtown Athletics as an assistant football coach and head wrestling coach for 30 years.  He helped mold young boys into men by instilling dedication, hard work, and discipline, which he genuinely demonstrated in every activity he pursued.  As an assistant football coach (defensive and offensive line, and then defensive coordinator) he had a remarkable record of 313-64 (.83%) that included accolades like 19 Northern States Conference Titles, 18 Sectional Titles, 9 Regional Titles, 4 Semi-State Titles, and 4 State Championships. 

     Even more impressive was his tenure as the head wrestling coach at JHS, where he helped his wrestlers thrive on and off the mat.  His absolute dedication to the sport of wrestling is evident in his record of 407-72-1 (85%) where he boasted 16 Northern States Conference Titles (10 in a row, 1992-2001), 10 Sectional Titles, 4 Regional Titles, 1 Semi-State Runner-Up, Team State Placements at 5th, 2nd, and 6th places, 46 State Qualifiers, 21 State Placers, 1 State Champion, and 3 State Runner-ups.  Kerrnie was also inducted into the IHSWCA Hall of Fame because of his coaching accomplishments. 

     After retiring from teaching, Mark and Jen were called to do something more, and created a real estate business that flourished from its inception.  Team Kerrn has become consistently successful, helping nearly 500 families buy or sell homes in a short 7 years. Although Mark missed the classroom and teaching, his ability to help people was still apparent in his daily life.

     Mark’s legacy stretches far beyond his time at Jimtown, and lives strong within his family, which he was extremely proud of.  He is survived by his wife Jennifer; his daughter Morgan (Zachary); his son Kenny (Jamie); and his first grandchild, Kennedy.  He was preceded in death by his parents Barb and Chuck, and brother Monty.

     Mark often talked about his biggest accomplishments being his children, and he thrived in the role of Dad and Grandpa.  He often spoke about the pride he felt watching Morgan and Kenny create amazing lives for themselves, and created a strong bond with both of them that carried into their adult years. Recently, he was elated at his chance to coach side by side with his son, and also expressed how wonderful it was to see Morgan become a mom.  Some of his fondest memories included his morning workouts with Morgan when she came home to visit and the Sunday morning film watching and game planning with Kenny.

     The love he had for his children and wife Jen was unwavering, even up to his very last days.  He designed a life with Jen that was based as much in love as friendship, and they spent nearly every day of their 20-year relationship together.  Their love for each other was unmatched and truly a story for the ages.  They shared a love of traveling, and went on countless trips, all over the world with Santorini, Jamaica, Switzerland, and of course, Las Vegas, being his favorites.   

     The immense pain that we all feel from his passing speaks volumes to the impact he had on the people around him.  He was a beacon of light, a stalwart in strength, the most amazing motivator, and a man of his word, in anything he did.  He wouldn’t want us to focus on the loss we feel, but the memories that he helped us create.

     In true “Kerrnie fashion” Mark’s final wishes include one last Kerrnie-Palooza to celebrate his life, which will be held on October 25, 2025, at the Northern Indiana Event Center located in the RV Hall of Fame from 2:00pm-6:00pm.  This celebration will be just that, a party with food and drinks, to spend time with anyone, and everyone, who ever felt the impact of Mark Kerrn and his life.

     In lieu of flowers, the family would like to collect donations for Jimtown HS Athletics. Checks can be made out to Jimtown High School Athletics, with Mark Kerrn's name written in the memo, and can be mailed to 59021 County Rd 3 South. Elkhart IN, 46517. If you would like to drop off your donation in person, you may do so between the hours of 7:00 am - 3:30 pm.

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