Mark Robert Kellner

Mark went home to be with the Lord and Savior he faithfully served his entire life on the morning of Wednesday, February 18, 2015. His devotion and love for his wife Sue and their five children was second only to his great commitment to the ministry of calling people to worship the Lord. His passion for life and excellence combined with his mischievous sense of humor and easy laugh made him a joy to be around. His commitment to Jesus and the Gospel ran through his entire life, touching the lives of people around the world.

Mark was born in Buffalo, NY in 1959, but called the island of Bonaire his childhood home where his parents, Robert Leslie Kellner and mother, Thelma Joy Wilson served as Missionaries with Transworld Radio. While attending Moody Bible Institute, Mark met the woman who would be his wife and ministry partner, Sue. In the years that followed, he would consistently point to Christ in all that he did.

Mark served in Public Radio as Director of Fine Arts for WNIU, where his living testimony would have an impact for decades to come. From 1987 to 1995, he worked at Back to the Bible Ministries as an arranger/producer/conductor for the Good News Singers as well as First Tenor and producer for the Back to the Bible Quartet. He exemplified a life of faith for his children and others during two years as a freelance composer in Nashville, TN. He would later write his experiences in the book The Manna Principle.

Following his tenure in Nashville, God called Mark into full-time church ministry. Everywhere he went, Mark’s joy in the Lord was infectious. No one could deny his love for the Lord and the conviction to worship that came from the Gospel revealed. He was a real life example of his favorite verse:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and acceptable worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2 ESV)

While his family mourns their loss, they can rejoice in that he is now in the presence of his Savior, whom he devoted his life in word and deed to serving. His life was a testimony of the power of the Gospel: lived out in his words, his music, his marriage—his every deed. Mark, you will be greatly missed!

He is survived by his wife Susan and his five children Zachary (Allyson) Kellner, Natalie (Will) Massey, Abigail (Rob) Davoust, Gillian Kellner, and Brandon Kellner and four grandchildren, Sarah Kellner, Joanna Kellner, Lydia Kellner and Daniel Kellner. He was preceded by his parents, Thelma Wilson and Robert Kellner.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 22, at 3:00pm at First Evangelical Free Church of Colorado Springs, 820 N. 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO. Memorial gifts can be directed to the church. A "YouCaring.com" page has also been set up to help Sue cover funeral and mortgage expenses. Please check it out at: http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/giving-back-to-mark-kellner-s-family/310028