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Mark Elston Obituary
Born: August 4, 1953; Mendota
Died: June 3, 2020; Mendota
MENDOTA – Mark A. Elston, 66, of Mendota, passed away peacefully June 3, 2020 at his home.
Private family only services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Susan Presley officiating.
Mark was born August 4, 1953 in Mendota to Gerald and Dorothy (Spanier) Elston. He married Christine Ryan on May 28, 1977 in Tonica.
He is survived by a daughter, Amanda (Joseph) Mirus of Chicago; two sons, Aaron Elston of Mendota and Jeremy (Bethany) Elston of Chicago; daughter-in-law, Heather, of Mendota; his mother, Dorothy Elston of Mendota; two brothers, John (Christine) Elston and Neil (Sylvia) Elston, both of Mendota; two sisters, Mary (Alan) Russell and Anne (Phillip) Caylor, sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Randy) Tucker, all of Mendota; eight grandchildren, Lainie, Mallary, Emma, Gavin, Ezekiel, and Rose Elston and Jonathan and Leah Mirus; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Christine, in 2008; his father, Gerald and brother, Paul, both in 1998; a sister, Ruth, in 2017; and a sister-in-law, Sarah Elston, in 2005.
Mark graduated from Mendota High School in 1971, and from Illinois State University with a philosophy degree (we think?). Before retiring, he was employed by the Mendota Reporter as General Manager, worked at the News Tribune, National Bank of Mendota, and LaSalle Electronics. He was on the Board of Trustees as Treasurer at the Graves-Hume Public Library, a member of the Mendota Investment Club, past City Treasurer of Mendota, past member of the Optimist Club and Elks Club, past Boy Scout leader. He wholeheartedly supported the Mendota school music programs, often participating in the pit band for concerts. He was a voracious book reader, having his own extensive "library" at home, a lover of the outdoors, music, and especially traveling with his wife and family. He was a kind and thoughtful man, and an exceptional conversationalist, full of wisdom and wit.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Mendota Area Senior Services (MASS).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Elston
Sponsored by Merritt Funeral Home.
Mark Eirhart
June 8, 2020
Im so sorry to hear of Marks passing. My thoughts are with all the family. Mark was a good friend since our days going to school at I.V.C.C . He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Lisa DiCarlo
June 6, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Marks passing. I worked with him at the NT. He was the nicest man. I ran into him every now and then, and he always had that smile on his face. He will definitely be missed.
Kaye Pohl
June 6, 2020
Sorry to hear of Marks passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed.
Rick Fusinatto
June 5, 2020
My condolences to Mark's family and to his brother John...Mark and I worked with each other at the News Tribune, then when he worked for the National Bank he was one of my accounts. I always enjoyed stopping in his office either at the bank or later on when he worked at the Reporter. We had some great conversations about life. R.I.P. my friend.
Kat Ryan
June 5, 2020
Amanda, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You and your family are in pur thoughts and prayers. Love to you all. Kat, Zoe, and Mya.
Sherry Kuntzi
June 5, 2020
Oh my goodness so very sorry to hear this. Mark was such a very special, very kind man. My deep, heartfelt condolences to all of the family and prayers for peace and understanding . He will always be in my thoughts and heart.
Cheryl Marquis
June 5, 2020
Our Deepest Sympathy to the entire family! God Bless!
Bill Morgan
June 4, 2020
Mark was gentle and brilliant and stubborn. He was a rock to me and to many others, I presume. It was a privilege to know him for a long lifetime from his teenage years until the end.
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