Mark Taylor Cornish

Mark Taylor Cornish, age 73, of Storm Lake, Iowa died February 16, 2026 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota. Memorial services will take place Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Visitation will be held Friday, February 20, 2026 from 5-7:00 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Mark was born March 10, 1952 in Iowa City, Iowa to Dr. Lawrence Robert Cornish and Betty Jean (Fuller) Cornish. Mark married Jayne (Fuller) Cornish on July 1, 1973. Mark and Jayne had two children, Christopher Lawrence Cornish and Justin Read Cornish. In 2007, Mark married the love of his life, Deborah Sue Cornish. Mark and Deborah lived in Storm Lake until his death. Mark graduated from Indianola, Iowa High School in 1970 and then attended the University of Kansas. He graduated with a B.A. degree in Business from the University of Iowa in 1974. Following his graduation from the University of Iowa, he attended Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska and received his J.D. in 1978. Mark was a partner in the law firm of Stern, Diehl, Cornish & Jensen with offices in Storm Lake and Albert City, Iowa. Mark retired as senior partner in 2022 after practicing for 44 years. Mark was active in his church and community. He served as chairman of the Finance Committee of the United Methodist Church, City Attorney for the City of Albert City, Iowa, Probate Referee for the Buena Vista County District Court, Storm Lake, Iowa, Vice Chairman of the Buena Vista County Public Health Department Advisory Committee, Member of the Buena Vista County Homemaker Home Health Agency Respite Care Advisory Committee, Chairman of the Buena Vista County Hospital Adolescent Treatment Center Advisory Committee. Mark enjoyed golfing for many years. Mark also loved motorcycling with very good friends. Mark and Deb put over 125,000 miles on four different Harleys. Mark was also an avid gun collector. Mark was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous in Storm Lake, Iowa. He helped many people in the program. Mark died with nearly 38 years of sobriety. Preceding Mark in death were his parents; his uncle Herman Fuller, Jr.; his brother Matthew R. Cornish; his infant brother Peter Nels Cornish; his father-in-law Reverend J.D. Little; his mother-in-law Leona Little; his step mother-in-law Violet Little; his brothers-in-law Stephen Little and Paul Little; and his childhood dog Lucky. Survivors include his wife, Deborah S. Cornish; his children: Christopher L. (Nicole) Cornish; Justin R. (Miranda) Cornish; his stepchildren: Elizabeth R. Eller and Joshua R. Eller; his grandchildren: Harper R. Cornish; Emma L. Cornish; Cooper A. Jackson; sister: Barbara J. Brooks; niece: Christine E. Cornish; nephews: Brendan R. Cornish; John P. Cornish; Michael T. Cornish; and his “big brother” King Richard Cole.

Mark Taylor Cornish

March 10, 1952 - February 16, 2026