What a LOVE Mark was & his spirit continues to prevail when I hear people express “ It’s All Good” 💙 
Mark & I met at The Half Price Book Store in the Metaphysical aisle of course. 
It was that instant connection that he had with folks everywhere he went. 
His generous heart gave me many small spiritual gifts & books over the last 10 years. I gifted him with Reiki sessions & Tarot readings. We both introduced to one another new friends, numerous books & events. Walks & talks.  Openness, curiosity & awe were our magic. 
After I heard of his sudden passing, I felt his peaceful spirit around me more than I have experienced anyone’s before. What a blessing of comfort.
Mark’s uniqueness & desire to continually see the best in everyone he met was remarkable to experience. I was-am truly blessed 💜


Mark,

Your light burned so so bright. I've known you 4 decades but the last 4 years were so precious when you came bursting into my life in such a big way. I resisted you busting in, then realized Mark Gerstein does not give up on anyone, ever! What a godsend you and your persistence were. We became such good friends. People (your good buddies), God, Jesus, Angels and of course Music were your passions, which you talked constantly about with so many amazing stories. So many laughs, a few tears and always always fun fun and more fun times.

Mark, I didn't know how precious those times were until now that you are gone. I thought you would be around forever. Keep thinking you're going to call, I want to hear your voice one more time, see that big smile of joy, go to your home and you tell me excitedly about this amazing show we have to watch probably on VHS, split 1 beer with deep conversations, have you give me one more spiritual thing I have to read and then give back so you can share with others, have you pick me up for coffee in your old convertible with the top down and Bernie in the back, road trips to Okoboji which you loved so very much, or you introduce and connect me to a seemingly endless stream of your buddies, many times total strangers to you only minutes ago, and now best friends a minute later. Talking me into taking a side trip to "The Grotto" one more time. The glorious days and days we spent exploring new cities, people, food and whatever on RAGBRAI together are now such precious memories, and we never argued, not once in 4 years, at least not out loud. It was never ever boring with Mark.

You connected at such a deep level to anyone and everyone, and it was genuine and genuinely from YOUR HEART. 

I miss you so much, you left a hole in my heart, my friend, that is not healing very fast. I feel your presence, knowing you want mine and everyone's life to be joyful, you are not giving up on anyone. Until we meet again.  Ed

So saddened to hear about Mark. Wanted to share my deepest sympathies and heart felt condolences to the Gerstein family.  Having grew up with them on Jared circle they were like another family to me. Great memories hanging out with all Greg and Mark especially. Was able to reconnect with Mark last year shortly before Greg's passing and also at Greg's funeral. What a great musician! Really enjoyed talking and getting to know Mark again after so many years.  He was such a spiritual warm hearted Soul who definitely lived, loved and laughed. I really enjoyed looking thru all the photos submitted Thankyou for sharing.
May Mark rest in peace.


I'm pleased that we seem to have had a connection in cheese as you and I had worked together at the F and O pizza shop. A few years later enjoyed working with your mother at Cheese and Puppets. Requiescat in pace my friend.

To all of the Gerstein Family, 
Wish there was a way to see you,  hug, laugh, cry, share stories over a bonfire.  Mark was bigger than life in high school with his energy, charisma, wisdom, care for others, sparkling eyes and smile. 
Sending love through this difficult time,  Please reach out if you want to talk.  

Chris Riis Wilbrecht
307-413-3947

I first knew Mark at Welch Junior High and saw him last in 2010 after the 35th Highschool reunion at his house where he was hosting a bash for everyone, playing guitar with Will and Mitch, and making everyone feel valued, comfortable and at peace.

Reading all of the beautiful comments, it is so apparent that Mark truly changed lives. I admire how he befriended everyone, not just as an acquaintance, but how he would go out of his way to build new and nurture old relationships.

He didn't live his life on the fence, looking from the outside in, rather he jumped in with his whole Heart, LOVING deeply and LIVING fully.

Sending my deepest sympathies and prayers to the whole Gerstein Family, Mark's beautiful Daughters, and Mark's dear Friends.

With Love, Missy

Mark, if angel wings are measured by kindness, generosity, and empathy, by all accounts you have received one of the most glorious set of wings an angel can receive.

Soar high angel, just don't forget to come visit and guide us in our dreams. Love you and  missing you big brother... 

I knew Mark for more than a decade.  We shared an interest in hunting and that is how we met 15 years ago.  Our relationship developed into a friendship, and I will miss Mark for the remainder of my life.

I want to send my sympathies and best wishes to the Gerstein family from your old neighbors, the Hadwiger family.  We have many happy memories of Mark in his earliest years.  Much love to you all.

I have waited for a week to post trying to think of the right thing to say about my friend, my buddy, my fellow seeker of dreams.  Mark and I both loved the book THE PROPHET so I thought I might share a passage about death from it.  

The Prophet: On Death
by Kahlil Gibran
Then Almitra spoke, saying, We would ask now of Death.

And he said:

You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.

In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honor.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

God bless you my fellow Hunter, my Buddy, my Friend, when I get to heaven I expect you to take me hunting (for the Saints).   Cactus Jack Barringer.  

Gert,,,, String Cheese, Diggbe, Buzz 2, and other nicknames we had for each other. Love ya Bro, Heavy heart, many special thoughts, never, never forgotten! Just the times you stopped by and said, What Up!!

Guna miss ya Bro

 B Best

Mark was always so fun to be around. I remember hanging out with Kylie and friends at his house, having movie nights and sleepovers. I knew when we went to his house, we’d have a great time and lots of smiles!

My warmest condolences to all Mark’s family. I am keeping you in prayer during this time of deep grieving, especially Mark’s daughters, so young to lose your father. But oh, how wonderful to have a Dad like Mark for a shorter time than a lesser man for a longer time. I believe his heart went down to his toes. Mark always has, and always will, have a very special place in mine. The angels are in for a real treat. 

Rest In Peace Mark. I remember the good times we had back in High School and the time we Eurailed in Europe with Will and my Brother Tom one summer. Many great memories with the Gersteins. Mark was there at my Brother Mike’s celebration of Life and I’ll always remember his kind words of support that he gave me. God bless his family at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. 

I want to send all of my love and prayers to you all. Mark was a beautiful person who makes my heart   happy to think about him. Mr Gerstein, Will, Beth, Garth, Mark’s daughters and all of the family...please know his memory is cherished by all who knew him. Prayers to you all. 
Julie Jensen

          Mark left  fond summertime memories as kids playing outside in the  neighborhood.   During our high school reunion, Mark graciously welcomed everyone to his house.  Mark was always giving of his time for good times.   
            My prayers are with Mark, and his family.  I am so sorry for your lose. 






I know you all know how special Mark was   We worked together for the Marianne Williamson campaign   He gave me a place to stay and he was an awesome host  He came to see me in NY and we spent Christmas in NYC  It was magical  I'm so glad I spent that time with him  I feel your pain  He taught me sooo much and I love him for it  God bless you all   He is still in our hearts and I can feel the love

Blessings
Nancy Zak

Well Shagaty Blah and the horses Ass,   I met Mark before he left the Brown Shirts, I was his guy at the parts store before I left there,  we decided to get together for coffee,  and supper, we would get together every couple of weeks or so,  Sometimes he’d bring Dad,  by the store, I met his siblings at music in the park,      I think one of his favorite things was just meeting fellow travelers,      He was always saying, Hey you got to meet this guy or this gal, I think you would really like them.  They are good people,  like you.      We had many shares about spiritual life.   A quirky wonderful guy, you truly couldn’t help but be fond of,  I really couldn’t believe the news,   He made an impression in my life, Thanks for the talks,  the moments,  and the infectious laughter,   Til next chapter,    Picture a Loud Cat meowing screeching, that was exactly how he came in the store to greet,  followed by well Shagaty Blah and the Horses Ass.   Then laughter, hand shakes, and How you been brother? One of a kind,    To Marks crew so sorry for your loss,    Gods Love 

Mark had a big heart and a big spirit.  His smile gave you a glimpse of the positive light inside.

My prayers and condolences to Mark's daughters and to Will, Beth, Garth and his father Bernie.  I am so sorry for your loss.  Mark was a great man and touched many lives.

I grew up in the same neighborhood as Mark and have been his friend since our days at Abbie Sawyer Elementary School.  I have many fond and fun memories of Mark.  Mark shared.  Shared his energy and enthusiasm.  Shared a lot of laughter.  Shared his love of music during some great times playing guitars.  Shared his ever changing latest passion that would launch you on an adventure if you joined in.  Shared himself to help a friend or a stranger in need.  Shared his faith.  Mark also had his share of pain and struggles but his strong faith helped him through.

With Mark you never had to reconnect.  By that I mean that no matter how long it had been since your life paths had crossed you instantly knew that the connection had never been lost.

Mark is a unique soul.  That old saying: 'he marched to the beat of a different drummer' doesn't quite fit Mark's life.  Mark danced to the beat of a different drummer, and man that drummer could really play!  A life well lived as evidenced by the people Mark touched along the way.

Rest in Peace my Friend,
with Love,  Bill

Gert: you were the original free spirit, true and genuine! Sharp of mind, a doer, and a person of faith. You were always interested in others: your joy was contagious and alive, and we all felt it. You seemed to have a way to strip through the layers which can cover one's soul, and really connect with a person.  I have some great memories of you, bro; right now, I'm chuckling over one of your antics from junior high :)
You and your family are in my prayers.
-Mark Stritzel

My sympathies go out to the entire Gerstein family.  When i received the call that Mark had passed I couldn't believe what I was hearing.  Mark has been friend to me and  best friend to my older brother Craig since I can remember.  He had just recently called Craig & my parents were there. He wanted Craig to relay to them how he always loved coming over for grilled cheese & tomato soup as a young boy.  He was always so good at reaching out to friends. He positive attitude & smile are two of the many things I will always remember when i think of him.  

Just can’t believe the news Re: the loss of our fine friend & Brother MarkG!  He was always so incredibly positive, made everyone in his company feel valued & respected. He was a wonderful example of how we all might like to be & a true friend. Miss him immensely already, there will never be another like him!

Godspeed to you Brother!!!

     To all of Mark’s family and friends I want to extend my condolences .
      While reading through the memories written to Mark; it certainly brought tears to my eyes .  
     For one ;Mark had the strongest group of friends from the time I met him at Welch Jr.High.   There wasn’t a time when you would see one, the rest of them were right there.  These guys never parted all through high school and were truly the kindest most talented caring people I’ve ever met .  So reading some of their
messages to Mark these last days shows the epitome of what true friends are about.  My heart goes out to each of you .
 Two -    I have to say personally:  Mark had it all .  That GRIN oh that GRIN  along with those sparkling eyes - need I say more? .  Well yes I can;  his soothing voice !  I saw him a couple of summers ago and just his sincerity along with “those other things” - still made me melt .  Thank you Mark for your joyous heart.  You will be missed 

About Gert …
His smile could light up a room
His laugh fill moments with joy
He was fun and funny and silly
He was a seeker: of light, of wisdom, of guidance, of connection, of spirit, of goodness
He stayed in touch, inquisitively pursuing the happenings of our lives
He made me think and made me a better person
I relished connecting with him over coffee in Ames or on his trips west
Sharing the majesty of the outdoor Copper Mountain Music fest 
We spoke about our kids, our hopes, our relationships, our journeys, our struggles and of Ukuleles
Mark liked me, for me: no conditions, no judgment
And, I liked Mark for Mark and the ‘mark’ he left wherever he passed
I will miss his steadfastness: I am forever grateful for it (taught me its power)
Until we meet again, Mark, I’ll be reading the books you shared, watching the world through the perspective your eyes showed me, and dancing with abandon when the music plays

To Beth, Will, Garth and Bernie my heart aches for your loss.  To Mark’s daughters, K-A-N, your dad loved you more than anything, with all of his heart and soul.  He is always with you. Watch for him in the rustle of the trees, the flowing grass, the gently grazing deer, the wind, the night’s sky, the stars – he will be showering his love in your lives.


So sorry Gerstein Family.      Mark and I started the same day at UPS in October 1986!  We both retired in 2016!  He was always upbeat and ready to lend a hand to those he knew!  Rest In Peace Gerny!

Mark was a kind soul who always had encouraging words. He is with his maker and I know he's rejoicing.

My sincere condolences to Will,  Beth, and the Gerstein family.  Mark (Gert)  was one of a kind and a long time buddy.  Our paths crossed only occasionally over the years as life took us in separate directions.  Despite the distance and time, Gert was always genuinely happy to see me.  We didn't miss a beat.  I will miss him but I know that he is  great hands.   A truly great friend.

Mike Obrecht

I have been a friend of Mark's for 43 years , since our days together back at Ames High.  His spirit was infectious and our connection was immediate. 
He loved to have fun and we enjoyed many of life's experiences together from hunting and fishing, to sailing, skiing, working out, and playing music. We also went on several double dates together during those early years, trying to figure out relations with the opposite sex!
As time went on, we kept in contact as he would call or text me when a memory was sparked, or he needed to talk.  Mark was a deep thinker, and as a result he often spent a lot of time analyzing life's challenges. This was not always easy for him.
I look back fondly on our time spent together, and smile as I remember his laugh. I feel very fortunate to have called Mark my friend.


My heart goes out to Mark's children who just lost their father and to Will, Beth and Garth who lost their beloved brother.  I'm thankful that Mark reached out to me on occasion and thankful for the many memories in my life that include the Gerstein family.  
The best friends a kid could have!

Love to all,
Craig Scott

Long time friend of him and his family. We went to high school  together and were very good friends back then and still to this day. Mark was always a great friend and person. That just how he live his life 

This of course came as a shock to me. Mark was a great friend to me, almost a brother, when we met at Welch Jr. high.  We really pushed each other in wrestling, and I had to work hard to stay out of his weight class. He was quite the outdoors man, and he taught me a lot of stuff, from Pheasant hunting to how to sail a boat! Great memories of Lake Okoboji too. Those are formative years in a persons life, and I am a better person for having Mark as my friend. My condolences to the Gerstein family. 

Sincerely, 

Todd Firkins

To the Gersteins, and the many that were touched by Mark’s great positivity and love for all:  peace to you, in the knowledge that he accepted Christ, and thus we will see him in that perfect eternal place beyond this one. 

To his daughters: take heart in this, and press on in his positive way, seeking Christ in your lives...helping others as your dad did, without fail.  You will see him again. Seek out his many friends for support, as he taught them how to help others, by example. 

Peace to all, knowing Mark is in the perfect place at peace, receiving his reward for his faith.  

On a lighter note: I met Mark on a wrestling mat in Jr High, when he pinned me (repeatedly over the season), as I was “counting the lights”.  He graciously won, and never rubbed it in.  I walked off the mat in awe, with respect for who he was. 

There is a text thread going with many in his class, sharing stories of how Mark helped them, or was a great positive influence in their lives. This is a testament to this great guy’s life well done. 

I’m sure yesterday he was hugged by Jesus, who said “Well done, good and faithful servant”.   

I considered Mark a friend.  His high energy and love of people was contagious.  He was a great story teller and seeker.  Like me he shared a love of reading and was never one to pass up an adventure or a meet up to the Grove Cafe in Ames. He will be missed. 

OBITUARY

Mark Stephen Gerstein

August 20, 1961 – February 27, 2021

Stevens Memorial Chapel

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