Mark Gertenbach, age 59, of Plano, Texas passed on to his heavenly home on July 1, 2015. He was surrounded by the love and care of his wife, Sherry, and his children until his final breath.
Mark was born in Racine, Wisconsin on January 16, 1956. He has many friends remaining there that, although saddened, are finding happiness in the memories of good times shared. His love of theatre, choir, the rock bands that he was in, and of course a good party, along with his fun, upbeat and caring heart are part of his legacy there.
Mark was married to Sherry (Howarth) on June 9, 1979. Many advised against this, concerned that love at that young age could not last a lifetime. However their wedding song “Always and Forever” remained as true then as it is to this day. They recently celebrated their 36th anniversary and had prayed for many more.
After the wedding, Mark and Sherry returned to Stevens Point, Wisconsin for Mark to complete his college education at UWSP. He became a part of the 90FM WWSP radio family and loved spinning the vinyl for his listeners. A memory he carried with him was that the ticker tape announcement of John Lennon’s death occurred while he was ‘on air’. An all-night tribute ensued. He was able to attend the last two radio station reunions and spend time enjoying the memories, music and friendships there. He had hoped to attend Reunion #3 at the end of July, but his wife, Sherry, and daughter, Jennifer, will be there in his place.
After graduation, the couple moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where Mark was employed by a small company called “Sound of Music,” which has since exploded into Best Buy. It was in Minnesota that they welcomed their first born son, Adam, into the world. Mark beamed with pride. He was now a Daddy. Job transfers and changes moved the family to Overland Park, Kansas where Ryan was born, then to Rockford, Illinois where Greg (i.e. Mini Mark) was born and then to Waukesha, Wisconsin where the family was completed by their daughter, Jennifer.
The final move in 2000 brought the family to Texas where Mark was employed by CompUSA, then AT&T, where he was a valued, respected, and loved part of the team.
Mark was a member of Water’s Edge Frisco Family of Faith, where he loved to sing praise with the worship team and to share the news that “Eternity Matters Most.” He was spreading the word even in his final days.
Mark is survived by his wife, Sherry, his sons Adam, Ryan and Greg, and by his daughter, Jennifer. He is also survived by his grandson, Julian, his brother, Paul, and sister in law, Katherine. Mark was privileged to welcome a beautiful addition to the family when Ryan married Becky Pineda and she became a daughter as well. Mark has friends across the country and across “the Pond.” He will be missed beyond measure, but he loved us well, and we will carry that love with us forever.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be sent to:
http://www.cfcwi.org/give/list-of-funds.html -Scroll to Friends of 90FM
OR
Water’s Edge Lutheran Frisco, PO Box 894, Frisco, TX 75034
There will be not be a traditional memorial service. Celebrations of his life in many cities are being planned.