Dr Richard C. Mark

Dr. Richard C. Mark, 73, died at his home, surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 1, 2006.   He was born on June 21, 1933 in Appleton, Wisconsin to Albert and Vivian Mark.  He married his college sweetheart, Ruth Litwiller, in Hopedale, Illinois, on July 2, 1955.   He was a graduate of Goshen College (1954) and Northwestern University School of Dentistry (1958).  After dental school, he served as a missionary dentist in Puerto Rico for two years.  He and his wife, Ruth, then moved to Elkhart, Indiana, where he practiced general dentistry for 36 years, retiring in December 1997.  In 1986, he and Ruth established the not-for-profit agency, Adoption Resource Services, Inc. which has placed over 300 children.   Richard was a man with an insatiable appetite for learning.  Among his favorite pastimes (most of which were self-taught) were home repair and remodeling, automotive repair and restoration, being a graduate of the Master Gardener Program of Purdue University, airplane pilot, camping and traveling, kayaking, downhill skiing, photography, cooking, tropical aquarium keeping, beekeeping, co-instructor of TV repair at the Elkhart Area Career Center, woodworking, candle-making, and computer programming.  All of these hobbies were enhanced when doing them with any or all of his four boys.   He was involved in multiple social and professional organizations, including being a Boys Scouts Master of Troop 10, Rotary Club, and the Elkhart Dental Society.  He was active in the Mennonite Church since high school as Sunday School Teacher, Bible School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and most recently, a member of the College Mennonite Church.   He is survived by his wife, Ruth; four sons, Dr. Jeff Mark, Elkhart, Dr. Wesley Mark (Dr. Mary Harder), South Bend, Wayne Mark (Jane), Elkhart, Dr. James Mark (Audra), Elkhart; six grandchildren, Andrew, Jon, Spencer, Caroline, Alex & Nicholas; his brother, Dr. George Mark (Arlene), Elkhart.   He was preceded in death by his parents.   Friends may call on Tuesday, October 3, 2006 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm and Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana.  Viewing will also take place one hour prior to the memorial service.  The arrangements are being made by Yoder Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, Indiana.   The memorial service will begin at 10:00am on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at College Mennonite Church, followed by interment at Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart, Indiana.  A noon meal will be provided at College Mennonite Church following graveside services.   In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be sent to Adoption Resource Services, Inc. or the Goshen College Endowment Fund.