Memorial
Mark James Tyler, M.D., ABFP, 82, of Marion passed away May 1, 2024, at Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Visitation: 4-7 PM, Monday, May 6, 2024, at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. Following the service, Mark’s generous donation to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program will be fulfilled.
Mark was born on April 10, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Walter and Elisabeth (Johnson) Tyler. Growing up, Mark was a Boy Scout and reached the rank of Eagle Scout. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree with honors in 1964 at Jamestown College in Jamestown, ND. Mark then attended University of Iowa College of Medicine, graduating as a Doctor of Medicine with clinical honors in 1968. He was united in marriage to Karen Ann Cole on June 1, 1968, in Iowa City, IA. From 1968-1969, Mark served his internship at Sacramento Medical Center in Sacramento, CA. Following his internship, Mark served his country as a Captain/Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force from 1969-1971. He was stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois and was Honorably Discharged from service in 1979. Mark started Village Family Practice in 1972 and was joined by Dr. Tom Schroeder in 1978 and Dr. Mark Hogenson in 1979. He was board certified by the American Board of Family Practice in 1976, recertifying four times. He was also certified as a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2000. Mark served as president of the medical staff at both St. Luke’s Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. He also had the opportunity to serve as president of the Linn County Medical Society and later as medical director of the Cedar Rapids PHO.
Mark was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids and had served as a Deacon and Elder. He was an avid reader and enjoyed running, completing the 1990 Twin Cities Marathon. Mark loved woodworking and carpentry, building bookcases for his many books and furniture for his family. He was a talented artist working in pen and ink. Mark was a longtime Iowa Hawkeye fan and was a season ticket holder in multiple sports since 1973. He had served on the board at the Meth-Wick Community in Cedar Rapids and was honored with the Four Oaks Model of Excellence award.
Survivors include his wife of fifty-five years Karen of Marion; children Dr. Christopher (Charity) Tyler of Cedar Rapids and Sara (Ed Jackson) Tyler of Spencer; grandchildren Taylor Monnahan, Callista Tyler, Samantha Tyler, and Jonathan Tyler; brother David (Rita) Tyler of The Villages, FL; sister Mary (Peter Mann) Tyler of Chandler, AZ; and brother-in-law, Bill Cole of St. Louis, MO.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Walter and Elisabeth Tyler and parents-in-law, William and Kathryn Cole.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caregivers from Visiting Angels with a special thank you to Diane Adams. They also extend their thanks to the Hospice of Mercy nursing staff.
Memorials may be directed to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Alzheimer’s Association, Mercy Medical Center Foundation, or the charity of the donor’s choice.