ELKHART -- Mark Allen Feller, 53, of Elkhart, and formerly of Goshen, died quietly Monday, Nov. 30, in Valley View Health Care Center.

He was born in Jacksonville, Ill., on Aug. 29, 1956, to Ernest David and Elvera Irene (Klein) Feller. Both parents preceded him in death, his mother in 1996 and his father in 2008.

Mark is survived by two sisters, Marta "Moxie" (Michael) Robinson and Rhonda (Dennis) Grossman; two nephews, Mark David and Nathaniel Grossman; and a niece, Kathryn Grossman. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Elkhart.

Mark's life was a gift and an inspiration to his family and all who knew him. When he was 8, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. After an unsuccessful surgery to remove it, he was given zero chance of survival. His parents did not accept this and took him to the University of Chicago Hospital, where he received the radiation treatments that gave him 40 more productive years. Though he was academically capable, his lack of hair and emotional tenderness made his school years difficult. With incredible courage and tenacity, he toughed it out, graduating from Elkhart Central High School in 1975.

To celebrate Mark's graduation, as well as America's Bicentennial, Mark's parents quit their jobs, sold their house, and the three of them spent nearly a year traveling the United States. When they returned, the Fellers founded Goshen Camera Mart, where Mark was in charge of shipping and receiving for 16 years. His health began declining in 1992 and he had further surgery at the Mayo Clinic. When he recovered, he worked at ADEC Industries in a high-functioning production job.

Mark, with his sweet, generous nature, sharp wit and preposterous puns, was a constant source of joy for his family. Like his father, he was an accomplished photographer, and like his mother, had excellent language skills, which he used to create puzzles.

Mark's sisters and their families continue to share memories and celebrate Mark's life.

No formal service has been planned. At the family's request, he will be cremated, with Billings Funeral Home handling the arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be given to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County, 23971 U.S. Highway 33, Elkhart, IN 46517 or the Activities Department, in care of Valley View Health Care, 333 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517.