Lori Jo Mark

Lori Jo (Krones) Mark, age 70, of Osage, Iowa, passed away at her home on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Lori was born on August 20, 1956, to Dean and Florence (Pint) Krones. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School through eighth grade and graduated from Osage High School in 1974.

Lori was a member of the Osage Precisionnaires, the legendary local drum and bugle corps. She remained in contact with many of her fellow members throughout the years and especially enjoyed attending their reunions. Music was also an important part of Lori’s life. She played the saxophone and piano and shared her musical talents by playing the organ at church during her school years.

She later graduated from La’James College in Mason City, Iowa, with a degree in cosmetology and worked at the Style-Mor salon in Osage. Lori remained a licensed cosmetologist throughout her life.

On June 17, 1989, Lori married John Mark at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. On June 6, 1990, she welcomed her son, Adam, and began one of the most important roles of her life: being a mother.

In 1996, Lori began a new career with Morton Buildings as a sales consultant, a role that quickly became a passion for her. She greatly enjoyed working with her clients and crews, many of whom she remained in contact with after her retirement in 2017. When passing a building she had helped bring to life, Lori would often proudly point it out and say, “I sold that!”

During her retirement, Lori loved to stay busy and involved. She enjoyed taking bus trips, visiting new and historic places, and attending local events. Among her many passions were genealogy and family research, the Mitchell County Historical Society, and the Cedar Valley Memories Power Show west of Osage.

Lori was also a member of the Sacred Heart Cemetery Board, where she served as lay director. She was deeply dedicated to preserving and honoring family memorials and made it a tradition each Memorial Day to decorate the graves of her loved ones with one of her special ancestor picture rocks.

She was a life member of V.F.W. Auxiliary Post 7920 in Osage and a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 278 in Osage. Lori was deeply patriotic and took a strong interest in her community.

Lori also loved animals. Her cat, Kes Kitty, was very special to her, and she loved sharing photos of her. Adam and Aimee’s dogs, Henry and Tyson, also held a special place in her heart and were affectionately known as “Grandma’s Boys.”

As a mother, Lori was extremely proud of Adam and was always supportive of his many interests and activities. One of her greatest joys came late in life when she earned her newest and most cherished title: Grandma. On June 4, 2026, she welcomed her first grandchild, Isaiah Mark, born to Adam and Aimee. Although her time with Isaiah was far too short, she was overjoyed by his arrival and treasured the time she was able to spend with him.

Lori is survived by her son, Adam (Aimee Gonzalez) Mark; grandson, Isaiah Mark; Adam’s father, John Mark; mother, Florence Krones; brothers, Larry (Karen) Krones and Lennis (Betty) Krones; nieces and nephews, Karla (Ryan) Howell, John (Tammy) Krones, Magen (Anthony) Fonzone, and Will Krones; her friend, Dean Wright; her beloved cat, Kes Kitty; and her “Grandma’s Boys,” Henry and Tyson; along with many extended family members and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dean Krones, and her nephew, Jason Krones.

A visitation service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, Iowa, with a rosary at 3:30 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., also at the church, with visitation beginning one hour prior. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, with lunch following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mitchell County Historical Society or the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.