Mark Allen Krill

He never knew a stranger.

Mark Allen Krill, 62, of Portage, Indiana, passed away on August 28, 2026. Born in Gary and raised in Portage, Mark was a proud Portage Indian through and through. He loved his hometown, schools, sports, and community.

Mark was truly a friend to all. Sweet, open, funny, goofy, stubborn, and occasionally obstinate, he never had a mean bone in his body. He laughed often, teased generously, and had a way of making people feel as though they'd known him forever.

A 1982 graduate of Portage High School, Mark was a custodian with Portage Township Schools over 30 years, earning the nickname “PHS’s coolest janitor.” He was also a devoted Chicago Bears and Cubs fan.

Mark relished Christmas, particularly the Grinch. He enjoyed decorating and was known for filling the family yard with little statues and signs. More than once, his mother would come home, see Mark’s latest additions, and simply yell, “Mark!” 

He found joy in simple things—coloring, word searches, bingo, soap operas, tea, good food, and especially sweets. He often reminisced about his mother’s cooking, particularly her stuffed peppers, bean soup, casseroles, and zucchini bread.

Mark loved people and taking their pictures. He often made sure everyone received copies. On social media, his familiar response to friend’s photos was simply, “Great pictures.” He also made a point of reminding people he was praying for them.

Goodwill was a favored destination. He'd search for stuffed animals, picture frames, or some little treasure he could give to someone. His generous and trusting nature was purely part of who he was.

Mark especially adored the police, especially that of Portage. He formed friendships with officers, school staff, students, church members, local businesses, and folks throughout the community. He was known everywhere. He'd call, stop by, or simply show up to visit—and if he knew you well enough, he might even walk right in.

His conversations weren't complicated. “So, what are you doing?” “Have you talked to so-and-so lately?” “What did you have for dinner?" he'd ask. Periodically, he'd leave a late-night voicemail featuring one of his silly tunes.

He was also an innocent flirt, occasionally asking a gal to marry him with a grin that left everyone wondering just how serious he might be.

Mark loved his family deeply. He especially looked up to his big brother Keith and was fiercely protective of those he held dear. He and his sister Kathy shared a lifetime of memories, traditions, teasing, and the little things only siblings understand.

Mark and his mom were a team, arguing and loving each other like an old married couple. After her passing, he routinely reminisced about her, her cooking, and the special dates and memories tucked away in his remarkable memory.

His final years brought difficult challenges, particularly following his mother’s passing and his amputation. Through it all, Mark faced life with determination. He endured many setbacks, but somehow always found a way to get back up and keep going.

Mark was a longtime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Portage and, while living in Warsaw, also attended Redeemer Lutheran Church. His faith was important to him.

Mark never married, nor had children, but his life was filled with people. He is survived by his brother, Keith P. Krill; sister, Kathy (Brian) Fesko; extended family of cousins and relatives; and the countless friends he collected along the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Pauline Krill; grandparents, Lewis and Thera Johnson; and aunt and uncle, Charlotte and Don Fleming. He sorely missed each of them.

Mark was a unique force of nature. He could make you laugh, make you shake your head, and make you want to hug him and strangle him all at once. But there was never any doubt that he loved others—and that he was deeply loved in return. He leaves behind a gaping hole in his family, the Portage community, and the many lives he touched.

Go Indians. Go Cubs. Bear Down. And don’t forget to ask what everyone had for dinner.

And, as he and his dad would always say:

“See you later, alligator. After while, crocodile.”

Celebration of Life

All who knew and loved Mark are invited to a visitation and sharing time on Friday, September 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 6540 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana.

A memorial service celebrating Mark’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, with a luncheon immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s memory to the Humane Society of Hobart or the Portage Police Department.

Come gather to remember a truly one-of-a-kind person who touched countless lives.