Mark Whitaker of Mundelein, Ill., passed away November 6, 2013. He was 59.

He studied music education at IWU and went on to earn a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University.  

He spent 26 years at Medline Industries, most recently as senior vice president of textile sales. He was active in the industry, serving on the Textile Rental Services Association’s Healthcare Committee and writing articles for trade magazines.

Survivors include his wife Pam, daughters Sarah (Whitaker) Solomon ’12 and Molly Whitaker ’16, his parents, a brother and a sister.

I remember Mark from our classes together in Presser Hall.  We would cross paths many times when practicing.  Even though it has been years since we practiced together, it seems like yesterday.  I hope his family are all well.