Mark Brian Gathercole passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 26, 2024, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on January 17, 2024.
Mark was born on August 9, 1958, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Edward and Betty Gathercole. He worked in the concrete construction field for over 40 years, retiring in 2019. He took great pride in the many large projects he worked on or managed, and Carla knew the story about each project whenever they were driving by one. Mark was an avid NASCAR fan and loved watching sports (except basketball) if his busy family schedule allowed.
Mark was incredibly proud of his family, especially Lindsay for her incredible work ethic and devotion to her career, while being a terrific mom to his grandchildren, Kailee and Jaylen. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and his grandpa heart swelled with pride when he watched Kailee and Jaylen in sports. He loved to attend their games and quietly watch softball and baseball from the outfield, instead of behind the plate with louder members of his immediate family.
Mark was a good friend to many, so kind and generous to those who needed his friendship or help of any kind. He was incredibly honest and didn’t mince words when giving you his opinion, whether you asked for it or not – one of the many reasons we loved and enjoyed him so much.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Betty Gathercole, and his sister, Cindy Lynn (Gathercole) Mason.
Mark is survived by his wife, Carla; daughter, Lindsay; grandchildren, Kailee and Jaylen; granddog, Ava; mother-in-law, Delena Patterson; sister, Sue Braman; sister-in-law, Paula Jones; and many nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren.
We are honoring Mark’s request that there be no funeral service. Rather, the next time you are watching a NASCAR race or football or baseball game, make a toast to him, a guy who worked hard, played hard, and loved even harder.
