Memorial for Mark Kuehnert - March 22, 2024 - 11 AM

Mark Kuehnert October 8, 1966 - March 10, 2024 John Mark Kuehnert II, beloved partner, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 10, 2024 in Atlanta, Ga. at the age of 57. Mark was born in Columbus, Miss. on October 8, 1966 and lived his formative years in Birmingham, Ala. He grew up in a family of true love and divine connection led by his Lutheran minister father John Mark Sr. and nurtured by his mother Marlys (Traefald) Kuehnert. His family’s faithful focus was foundational to Mark’s strength of character, having been baptized in 1966 and confirmed in 1981, both performed by his father. Mark was a 1985 valedictorian Graduate of Berry High School and received an academic scholarship to Vanderbilt University to earn both his BA in English in 1989 and MBA in Finance & Accounting in 1990. During his college years, Mark was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and loved singing and performing as a member of The Original Cast musical theatre revue troupe. Mark started his career with Ernst & Young in Nashville in 1990 and had stints in Dallas and Chicago, before returning years later to EY Atlanta as a managing director in the Forensics consulting practice for a combined 20 years of service. In his most recent years, Mark’s passion for people development shined through as an inaugural member and co-chair of EY Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Council for the US Forensics Practice as well as for the separate Atlanta office across-practice council. He was also an active leader locally and nationally in EY's Unity LGBT+ Network. He championed the belief that a culture of belonging is achieved when people can bring their true selves to work, allowing individuals, companies, and clients to thrive. Mark lived out his professional and personal life in a way that role modeled diversity, inclusion, and equity each and every day. He was a consummate mentor, advocate and champion for many. Mark’s legacy is his fun-loving, kind spirit and joyous generosity. As a child, his toys were your toys. As a young man, he learned the value of hard work, starting a very profitable lawn service at the age of 12 while balancing a church janitorial job and numerous school activities throughout high school. As he grew into a man, he blossomed further, finally understanding how being your true self leads to deep love and great rewards. Mark the caregiver. Mark the fixer. Mark the nurturer. Mark the mentor. His profound and wide-reaching impact will continue to live on. 1