Mark R. Holt, of Kouts for 26 years and formerly of Gary, died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005 at V.N.A. Horton Hospice Center, Valparaiso. He was 51.

He was born Dec. 3, 1953 in Chicago, the son of Richard James and Alice (Kerr) Holt, both of whom preceded him in death.

On Oct. 29, 2005 in Valparaiso, he married Cindy Claussen, who survives.

He is also survived by three step-children, Michelle Pickering of Lake Station, John (Karen) Carpenter of Valparaiso and Justin Claussen of Valparaiso; two step-grandchildren, Tristen Pickering and Emma Carpenter; a brother, Richard (Dulce) Holt of Chesterton; nieces, Kimberly (Angelo) Mongelluzzo of Lakeville, Minn., Courtney (Nathen) Bates and Elizabeth Craig, both of Gainesville, Fla. and a nephew, Shawn Holt of Chesterton.

He was also preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18 at Kosanke Funeral Home, 105 E. Indiana Ave., Kouts. Cremation will follow at Angelcrest Crematory, Valparaiso.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the V.N.A. Hospice of Porter County.

Posted 11/16/2005