ELKHART-- Ernest David "Ernie" Feller, 77, died unexpectedly Friday, July 11, 2008, at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born on October 8, 1930, in Elkhart and adopted as an infant by Ruth (Berkey) and Arthur A. Feller. He married Elvera Irene Klein on October 7, 1949. She died January 20, 1996.

He is survived by two daughters, Marta (Michael T.) Robinson of Elkhart and Rhonda (Dennis) Grossman of Granger; one son, Mark Allen Feller of Elkhart; and three grandchildren, Mark David Grossman, Nathaniel Grossman and Kathryn Grossman.

Ernie's career was in retail sales, with emphasis on customer service. He started at J.C. Penney Co. Inc., became the youngest store manager at that time for the W.T. Grant Co., and was the merchandise manager for women's wear at Ziesel's Department Store in Elkhart.

In the late 1960s his passion for photography led him to Elkhart Camera Center, where he worked until his retirement in 1975.

In 1975 Ernie and Elvera quit their jobs, sold their homes, and purchased a travel trailer. With their son Mark, they spent a year traveling in the western United States to celebrate our nation's bicentennial. When they returned from their adventure, late in 1976, the three of them founded Goshen Camera Mart, which Ernie managed until his retirement in 1993.

Ernie was an extraordinary nature photographer, an accomplished writer and a gourmet cook. He was happiest when surrounded by his children and grandchildren. All who knew him were drawn by his kindness and his droll, offbeat sense of humor.

Ernie was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Elkhart, where a memorial service will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation or funeral. The body will be cremated. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is handling arrangements.

Ernie had a special place in his heart for the United Cancer Services of Elkhart County because when his wife was ill, they were, in his words, "the only ones who gave what we needed and never asked for anything in return."

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to that organization. To share a memory of Ernie or share a condolence with his family please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.