Dr. George A. Mark

Dr. George A. Mark, 82, of Goshen and formerly of Elkhart, died at his home late Friday morning, May 10, 2013. He was born October 27, 1930 in Appleton, Wisconsin to Albert H. Mark and Vivian Viel Mark.He grew up in Naubinway, Michigan. He married Arlene Martin December 17, 1955 at Goshen College. She survives along with four children, Susan (Dennis Landis) Mark Landis of Orrville, Ohio, Dr. David G. (Dr. Julie) Mark of Granger, Dr. Paul R. (Kim) Mark of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Scott J. (Summer) Mark of Muskego, Wisconsin; and grandchildren, Dr. Laura (Adam) Yoder, Joel (Mikaela) Landis, Eric, Nicole, Natalie and Nathaniel Mark, Anne, John and Brian Mark, and Hannah and Jacob Mark. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dr. Richard Mark. George's intellectual curiosity exceeded the availability of education in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, compelling him to travel. He attended high school in Harrisonburg, VA, college in Goshen, IN and medical school at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. While at Eastern Mennonite High School in Virginia, he had the fortune to meet his future wife of 57 years, Arlene Martin. While she was not initially impressed, she ultimately succumbed to his relentless pursuit and they were wed in 1955. After graduation from Northwestern Medical School, Dr. Mark interned at Denver (CO) General Hospital, and then moved to a Presbyterian mission hospital near Taos, New Mexico to begin his alternative service (1W). He completed his service at Westville (IN) State Hospital where he was the medical director for the criminally insane. Following his service he completed residency in internal medicine at Milwaukee (WI) General Hospital and began practice in Elkhart in January 1963. For many years he served as medical director for Oaklawn Psychiatric Hospital. He also volunteered time as the physician for missionaries under Mennonite Board of Missions. He raised his family in the woods along the St. Joseph River, where he sailed in his Sunfish. Although not particularly graceful, he played tennis and skied with great enthusiasm. Traveling was his favorite hobby. He and his wife attended over 20 Elderhostels and took many cruises, including river boat trips in Europe. He enjoyed classical music and yearly Shakespeare trips to Stratford, Ontario. He was a devoted member of Prairie Street Mennonite Church where he taught Sunday school, served as an elder and on the finance committee. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, May 13, 2013, in the Koinonia Room at College Mennonite Church, Goshen. An 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2013, memorial service will be held at College Mennonite Church with Pastors Nelson Krabill and Anne Mitchell of Prairie Street Mennonite Church, Elkhart, officiating. A family burial at Prairie Street Cemetery will precede the memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors without Borders (www.doctorswithoutborders.org) or Mennonite Central Committee (MCC.org).