Mark J. Fowler

MARSEILLES – Mark J. Fowler, age 60, of Marseilles, passed away Sunday evening, July, 28, 2013, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, August 1, 2013, at noon at Gladfelter Funeral Home with his sister, Barbara McCauley officiating.  Full military rites will be conducted by the Ottawa Veterans Group.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Thursday at the funeral home.

Mark was born December 2, 1952 in Ottawa, a son of Arthur Fidge and Elaine Helen (Gray) Fowler.  He married Cathy M. Baiz June 3, 1989 at Epworth United Methodist Church in Ottawa.  He is survived by his wife, Cathy, of Marseilles; his children, Bryan (Michelle) Fowler of Ottawa, Connor Fowler of Champaign, and Malorie Fowler of Marseilles; one brother, David of Ottawa; five sisters, Barbara (Wilbur) McCauley of Louisville KY, Kay Lynn Gama, Carol Geiger, Karen Fowler, and Mary Kay Wheatley, all of Ottawa; four grandchildren, Ethan, Sky, Ocean, and Venecia Fowler; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John; two sisters, Judy Farrell and Pam Bone; a niece, Sarah Geiger; and his father in-law, Salvadore J. Baiz Jr.

Mark proudly served his country in the United States Army in the 82 ^nd Airborne Division.  He had been employed by Pilkington for over 41 years.  He was a member of the American Legion and the Steelworkers Union.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.