John Mark Kuehnert II

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 (Traefaold) 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.

Among his favorite things to do:

- Spending time with his partner in Rosemary Beach, Fla. where sunsets and cocktails on Boardwalk B was the pinnacle of every day.

- Being with family whenever and wherever. Mark would go out of his way to connect in multiple ways with family members, including daily calls with Mom and Dad. Family Lake Week was a tradition.

- Baking cookies – chocolate chip especially. He loved sharing them with holiday party guests.

- Planting tulips annually to witness the beautiful miracle unfold every spring.

- Recently, hiking in scenic locales became a shared activity with his partner that deepened their connection to each other, nature, and God.

Mark is survived by his partner of 20 years Kevin Foltz; parents John Mark Sr. and Marlys Kuehnert; siblings Laurie (Adam) Franklin, Joel (Holli) Kuehnert, Matt (Tara) Kuehnert, Justin (Ali) Kuehnert, Trent (Lauren) Kuehnert and Noah (Stacy) Drews; 14 nieces and nephews, numerous Godchildren, beloved cousins, extended family, friends and colleagues.

Funeral Services will be held at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer on Friday, March 22, 2024. Receiving of family will take place at 11 a.m. in the Atrium with service following at 1 p.m. in the church. Location is at 731 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta GA 30308. Live and recorded service can be viewed at: https://www.redeemer.org/worship/worship-online/. A Celebration of Life reception will follow service at 3 p.m. at Serena Pastifico restaurant in Colony Square at 1197 Peachtree Street NE.

In remembrance of Mark’s life, the family asks that you plant tulips annually, especially purple ones. Any charitable donations may be made to Compassion International or Point Foundation LGBTQ Scholarship Fund.