On the evening of November 11, Veteran's Day, Mark Fessenden, 69, of Elkhart, was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed away at Indiana University Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana as a result of complications from heart surgery. Mark was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on March 29, 1946, to Claude and Irene (Lanz) Fessenden. In 1973, Mark married the love of his life, Debby (Erne). She survives, along with daughters Julie (Tom) Stammich of Granger, and Dana (Colin) Clark of Granger; brother Gary (Becky) Fessenden of Granger; sisters Judy Fessenden of Clearwater, Florida and Debbie (Ted) Cartwright of Elkhart; grandchildren Hayden and Everleigh Clark; and seven nieces and nephews. When Mark was 13 years old, his family moved to Elkhart, where he grew up and graduated from Elkhart High School in the class of 1964. He attended Indiana State University, and then enlisted in the United States Army. He was accepted into the Officer's Candidate School, and achieved the rank of captain. He served two years in Germany during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he returned to Elkhart and obtained a Bachelors Degree in Finance from Indiana University South Bend. Mark spent the majority of his professional career working at State Wide Aluminum in Elkhart, where he held the positions of Executive Vice President, President, and Chief Operating Officer. He was also past President of the Truck Cap and Accessory Association. He also worked as General Manager at FM Stone Commercial, and provided consulting services to local companies. In recent years, he served on the Board of Directors for Troyer Products in Elkhart. Mark was a proud husband and father who was loved by all and a stranger to no one. He was a member of the Elkhart High School State Championship football team of 1963 - one of his favorite topics of discussions and proudest moments. He also had a passion for music and a deep love and respect for his country. Mark always knew how to make every person he encountered feel special. His bright smile, inviting personality, contagious laugh and great big bear hugs will be missed dearly. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 16 at Hartzler-Gutermuth- Inman in Elkhart, and from 10:00 a.m. until the celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. on November 17 at Trinity United Methodist Church. Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors or United Cancer Services of Elkhart County. Online condolences may be directed to www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com. His care has been entrusted to Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.