Mark Alan Brotherton

Mark A. Brotherton, 68, passed away peacefully in his home on August 8, 2023.

Mark was born in Muncie, IN on March 28, 1955, to Raymond and Kathryn (Goodrich) Brotherton. He grew up in Edinburg, Indiana, class of 1973, where he played basketball, baseball, and was a member of the band. He later graduated with a degree in engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. On June 7, 1980, he married his wife Cathy (Opasik), and they spent 43 wonderful years together.

Mark spent his career in engineering with a passion for problem solving and bringing joy and respect to the workplace. Some of the positions he enjoyed were Head of Maintenance at AAP in St. Marys and Engineer at Milcor in Lima, Ohio. He was also a wonderful teacher and was dubbed "Math Man" by his kids when helping with homework, and he was a well-loved substitute teacher for Celina City Schools after retiring.

While his children were growing up he spent time as coach for all of them in several sports including baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer. He threw his passion for sports into coaching and emphasized learning technique, good sportsmanship, and enjoying the game! Even when he wasn’t coaching, Mark supported community sports and his kids by cheering and timing swimmers on the pool deck. He was also a huge basketball fan and almost never missed an IU game either in Assembly Hall or on television.

Mark was also a member of the community theater group The Crescent Players, and he loved his time on and off the stage. He worked as part of the stage crew, was on stage for several shows such as Arsenic and Old Lace, and even directed the group’s production of Harvey.

Mark was a man who loved to laugh and spend time with family and friends. He specialized in dad jokes and sarcasm and equally loved a laugh or an eye roll from his audience. Mark and Cathy loved to hop in the car and go exploring or sit together to watch a favorite tv show at the end of a busy day. He enjoyed sharing a glass of bourbon, wine, or a good beer with his family and friends. He regularly enjoyed trips with his wife and kids to breweries, wineries, and the bourbon trail. He shared his love of music with his kids when they were young and always enjoyed discovering new artists with them, listening to their band and choir concerts, and singing everyone's favorites together after a family dinner. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping and sitting around a campfire.

The only thing that was bigger than Mark's sense of humor was his kind heart and love for his family. He always made an effort to make everyone feel included. He supported his kids in all their endeavors and just loved hanging out with them. He loved playing games with his grandkids, and enjoyed curling up with his dachshund, Bogart. Mark and Cathy also had a very special love that could easily be seen by those around them as they were often seen holding hands or sharing a knowing glance. 

Mark was so many things, but above all he was kind and strong, he was a great friend and teacher, and he was a loving husband and father. Mark Brotherton was truly loved.

Mark is survived by: wife Cathy (Opasik) Brotherton of St. Marys, OH 

                                   son Aaron Brotherton of Columbus, OH

                                    daughter Amy (Scott) Wagner of Wapakoneta, OH

                                    daughter Alison Brotherton of St. Marys, OH

                                    4 grandchildren: Mya Jones, Victoria Wagner, Rosemary Wagner, Liam Wagner

                                    brother Kirk (Pam) Brotherton of St. Marys, OH

                                    brother David (Erica) Brotherton of Osprey, FL

                                     father-in-law Walter Opasik of Hammond, IN

                                     brother-in-law David Opasik of St. Marys, OH

                                     brother-in-law Scott Opasik of Lakeview, IN

                                     sister in-law Deborah (Edward) Vargo of Crown Point, IN

                                     sister-in-law Mary (Tony) Scieska of Hammond, IN

                                     numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by: parents Raynmond and Kathryn Brotherton

mother-in-law Rosemary Opasik

A Celebration of Life service will be held on September 16, 2023, from 2 to 4:30 pm at the St. Marys Eagles Lodge #767. Donations can be made in Mark’s name to Grand Lake Hospice (https://www.grandlakehealth.org/about-us/foundation/give-a-gift.html) or to St. Marys Tailgate For Cancer (https://www.tailgateforcancer.com/contact, PO Box 172, St. Marys, OH 45885).

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with Mark’s family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Miller Bros. Funeral Directors in St. Marys.