Obituary for Mark Kochensparger

Mark Joseph Kochensparger, age 55, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Friday, April 16th, 2021. Mark was born to Jim and Kay (McGuire) Kochensparger on June 14th, 1965. He is preceded in death by his mother (Kay). He is survived by his father (Jim), his sisters and brother (Kathy, Julie, and Matt), his ex-wife (Wendy) and his four children (Shannon, Nicole, Luke and Sarah). Mark attended Northland High School where he achieved great success as an all-star athlete. He played varsity football and baseball from 1980-1984. His victories and athletic talent created huge popularity across the state of Ohio. He was on the front page of the Citizen Journal on many occasions and was well respected and valued by his community. Mark was offered a full ride scholarship to play football at Michigan State and was also recruited to play baseball by the Cleveland Indians. Mark had success in achieving many professional jobs including his career with General Electric. He began his own landscaping company and pursued that line of work most of his life. It was expressed by his Grandmother years ago, Doris McGuire, that Mark was an extremely sweet little boy and that she would regard him as her sweetest grandchild.

Mark was a wonder to behold in his good moments. He knew how to exude charisma and charm. He was a magnetic man, filled with passion and a thirst for learning and knowledge. He could turn a perfect stranger into a friend (or date) with one conversation. He was someone you could talk to about anything for hours on end. When you were with him, he would make you feel like you were the most important person in the world and that he genuinely cared for you and your life, and he really did. Mark was a deeply empathic person, who always had a generous heart and would give away his last $5 to a stranger in need. Mark’s greatest joy and accomplishment in life was bringing his four beautiful children into the world (Shannon, Nicole, Luke and Sarah) and having the honor to be their father and to love them. Mark was plagued with illness most of his life, but through it all he relentlessly pursued God and loved Jesus with all his heart. He was so proud of his choice to be baptized and to walk with the Lord. He was always encouraging his children to stand strong in their faith and remember to pray. In liue of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the famiy's gofundme in aide of finance for the service. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THURSDAY CALLING HOURS:  Due to Covid 19, EVERYONE wishing to attend calling hours at HILL FUNERAL HOME MUST call HILL FUNERAL HOME AT 614 882-2121 BETWEEN 8:30 AM AND 5:00 P.M. to reserve one of the 25 visiting slots per half hour starting at 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 22, 2021. Masks are mandatory.  NO EXCEPTIONS. Calling hours will be followed by a Prayer Service at 11:00 AM. The service will be livestreamed at HILL FUNERAL HOME'S      YouTube Channel  for those who are unable to attend.  Burial will follow at the Lutheran Reformed Cemetery in Thornville OH.