Dr. Mark Nitschke, 40, of Botkins, died at 10:25 p.m. March 10, 2008, at the Centinela Freeman Hospital, Marina Del Ray, Calif. Death was due to cancer.

He was born April 8, 1967, in Fremont, to Lon and Gloria Shelley Nitschke, who survive in Fremont. On Nov. 12, 1994, he married Linda Schade, who survives.

Other survivors are a son, Marcus, at home; a daughter, Lauren, at home; a sister, Nichole, Bowling Green; two grandmothers, Mildred Burns and Bonnie Shelley, both of Fremont; and parents-in-law, Ed and Sharon Schade, Helena.

Deceased are two grandfathers, Melvin Shelley and Harold Nitschke.

He was a chiropractic physician who began practicing with the Cramer Chiropractic Clinic, Wauseon and was associated with St. Marys Chiropractic prior to starting his own business, Nitschke Chiropractic Wellness Center in St. Marys. He was a member of the St. Marys Kiwanis Club and served on the board of the Auglaize County Crisis Center. He also was a member of the St. Marys Chamber of Commerce, the Southwest Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce and Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Marys.

Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Anthony Cutcher officiating. Burial is at Gethsemane Cemetery, St. Marys.

Calling is 5-9 p.m. Friday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Contributions can be made to a scholarship fund in Dr. Nitschke's name.

Condolences can be sent to www.millerfuneralhomes.net.