Mark D. Stoker, 27, our charismatic and beautiful son and brother quietly passed away Thursday from a chronic disease he has battled for many years.
Mark was the youngest of three children, raised in beautiful rural surroundings in Mifflinburg with an older brother and sister.
Mark was an amazing young man with genius level intelligence, a refined athletic ability, a broad smile, an extraordinary wit, the ability to engage in any conversation and exuded an amazing confidence that hid a nasty affliction he fought like a bold crusader.
Inwardly, Mark was sensitive, kind and impressionable in ways people around him would have no idea there was a fierce battle that would take down the strongest person long before it did.
Mark was truly loved in the hearts of his family and everyone who he touched unfortunately it was not enough to shield him from the cruel part of this world. The family holds no anger or resentment the part of our world that can be vicious but is filled with hope that his battles will be used to help others with similar afflictions.
Mark's mechanical mind, unending adrenaline and amazing ability to push the limits amazed everyone that knew him and his adventurous nature. His jokes were only topped by his uncanny ability to create sound effects and that endless smile of his was totally captivating and unforgettable.
Mark was one of those special people that excelled at everything he did and yet the lifeblood of his life was through the unwavering support from his family. He epitomized brilliance in life even as the mighty struggle inside him was taking a toll.
The worry that his family and friends carried for Mark is now replaced by a deep feeling of loss that now exists knowing we will never see his smiling face again. Despite his troubles, we take consolation in fact that he had a deep love for his family and friends leaving us with lasting impressions for the rest of our lives.
To all people with similar internal struggles we want to remind you that there are people who will always love you. To the family and friends who know that although the surface may appear to be calm and know water beneath is turbulent, support them with all your heart no matter how hard it gets.
Mark is at peace and free, we will miss him every hour of every day.
Goodbye Mark, we love you!
Surviving are a daughter, MaKylie Jo, mother, Teresa M. (Blackwell) Stoker of Selinsgrove, one sister and brother-in-law, Desiree and Levi Tarr of Selinsgrove, one brother, Matthew Stoker and companion Whitney Hare of Milton, maternal grandmother, Wilma Agrow of New Columbia,paternal grandfather, Gardner Stoker of Mifflinburg, three aunts Amy McLaughlin of Selinsgrove, Mary Beth Shively of Centre Hall, and Connie Corson of Milton, one uncle, Marty Stoker of Elimsport.
He was preceded in death by his father, Matthew J. Stoker, Jr., paternal grandmother, Mary Jo Stoker, maternal grandfather, Frank Blackwell, and an uncle, William Stoker.
Family and friends are invited to the viewing from 4 to 6 pm on Tuesday at the Harvest Bible Chapel, 115 Freedom Road, Mifflinburg, where Mark’s life celebration will held at 6, with the church ministry officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Father Martins Ashley in memory of Mark D. Stoker, 800 Tydings Ln, Havre De Grace, MD 21078.