Mark F. Borns

Mark Borns Passed away on July 31, 2026. Beloved husband of Elena Poznakhirina. He was a loving father of Benjamin Borns-Moore and Jordan Joseph Borns, and step-father of Alexandra Vakar. Devoted dog dad of Ivan and Max. Loving son-in-law to Svetlana Poznakhirina. Caring brother to Debbie Wheaton and Judy Borns. Uncle of Justin Simanson, Adam (Paige) Herbst and Nathan (Terra) Herbst, and dear nephew of Elayne Bergman. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marylin Borns and his father, Jordan Borns. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday August 4, 2026, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd. A visitation will be held at 11:00 am followed by a funeral service at 12:00. Burial to follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Rd, Madison. In lieu of flowers, plant a tree or plant of your choice in Mark’s memory.

Mark was a deeply humorous, intelligent, and thoughtful husband, father and step-farther, son, and brother. He was an avid reader with a deep intellectual curiosity who enjoyed traveling, playing poker, watching football (soccer), and endlessly retelling dad jokes—many of which he had to explain to his wife, Elena. The jokes themselves were not always funny, but the process of telling and explaining them was, and it brought laughter and enjoyment to everyone around him. He had a quick wit, a wonderful sense of humor, and a remarkably down-to-earth personality.

Mark was a loyal and generous friend, as well as a community-minded citizen who put his legal talents and financial resources to use wherever they were needed. He was an early ally of Madison’s LGBTQ+ community, providing pro bono legal work and financial support to organizations and political candidates. Mark became a committed progressive during his years as a student at UW–Madison, where he formed a close friendship with Professor Harvey Goldberg, the noted historian.

His passion for Latin American history led him to travel extensively in Colombia and Cuba through the Madison–Camagüey Sister City Project, where he helped deliver donations of medical and agricultural supplies.

Mark was known for his seafood chowder, which was always a star dish at Packer-watching parties. He is loved and admired as a devoted parent and as a friend you could always count on, in emergencies and day to day. He remained close to his parents in sickness and in good health and can truly be described as a loving family man and a mensch in our community. He was taken from us too soon, always remaining a pillar of strength for his children and his wife, Elena, all of whom he loved unconditionally. We will miss him.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434