Mark "Nature" Vajen (July 30, 1957-Feb. 6, 2023)

Mark Vajen, 65, was born to Marvin Vajen and Audrey (Haas) Vajen of Napoleon, Ohio, on July 30, 1957.

He passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2023, surrounded by his immediate family.

Mark had a passion for old Western TV shows. You could guarantee that if you were to visit Mark, his door would be open, his cat Bosco on his lap, and his TV would probably be playing “Gunsmoke,” his favorite Western. You would sit down with him for a few minutes and realize why he enjoyed the show so much and would look forward to watching another episode with him.

Mark had many jobs over the years, Claude Sintz being the longest. He along with a fellow employee of Claude Sintz were the inventors for the patent of the “Automobile Jack Handle” in 1996.

Mark grew up loving motorcycles, especially Harley-Davidsons. He took pride in his previous motorcycle that he had custom painted a color he called “Blurple.” He won many awards for this motorcycle and its unique color.

Mark is survived by his daughter, Amber (Vajen) Yoder, and son, Levi (Kyleigh) Vajen. He is also survived by his six grandchcildren, Johnathan and Kinsey Yoder, and River, Gibson, Huxley and Orley Vajen, all of Pettisville, Ohio. He is survived by his sister, Joni (Jeff) Foster, whom he loved dearly and talked to daily. He was so thankful for everything she had done for him over the years. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Mark Crandall (late Sandra Crandall), along with many other family members.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Vajen and Audrey Vajen, and his sister, Sandra Crandall.

Per Mark’s request, he does not want any public services but has requested the family take his ashes to a peaceful spot in the Smokey Mountains.

Any donations can be made to the family to help make this happen.