Mark Allen Tagtmeyer, Local Farmer and Pilot, Dies at 71

Mark Allen Tagtmeyer, a lifelong farmer, aviator, and mechanic from rural Columbia City, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family at 8:32 a.m. on Thursday.

He was 71 years old.

Born in Columbia City, Indiana, on January 21, 1955, to the late Richard D. and Leah “Ruth” (Manley) Tagtmeyer, he grew up working the soil on a family farm in Columbia Twp. After graduating from Columbia City Joint High School in 1973, Tagtmeyer built a life in the area.

Over the decades, his work expanded beyond standard farming operations into specialized aviation and rural infrastructure. In the 1970s, he earned his private and commercial pilot’s licenses before securing an aerial applicator license in Albany, Georgia, during the early 1980s. That training allowed him to launch Tagtmeyer Aerial Service, providing crop-dusting operations throughout the area while simultaneously managing the family farm.

Beyond the cockpit and the fields, Tagtmeyer worked extensively as a mechanic and carpenter. He installed field tile drainage systems for area farmers, remodeled homes, and built custom furniture for his own residence and rental properties. He also maintained a passion for mechanical restoration, working on antique tractors and vintage hit-and-miss engines of the early 20th century, which he frequently exhibited at local tractor shows.

On January 16, 1988, he married Jeanne E. Brown. Together, they raised a daughter and a stepdaughter on their Columbia Twp. farm.

Mark Allen Tagtmeyer, Local Farmer and Pilot, Dies at 71

Tagtmeyer is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jeanne; his daughter, Sarah (Scott Chanley) Tagtmeyer; a stepdaughter, Mary (Jonathan) Schulz of Plainfield; four step-grandchildren, Chance, Heidi, Skyla, and Gretel; and a sister, Marsha Roth of Fort Wayne.

Visitation is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, at the funeral home, with visitation held one hour prior. Burial will follow at the Nolt Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Tagtmeyer’s honor may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.