Theodore Marcus “Marc” Gergen, Jr., aged 70 of Mesa, Arizona and formerly of Des Moines, Iowa and Grand Rapids/Holton/Kentwood and Oscoda, Michigan passed away on Dec. 27th, 2022, after a short illness.
Marc was born January 10th, 1952, in Des Moines Methodist Hospital the third child of parents Theodore Marcus Gergen Sr. and Barbara Cox. Marc lived in Des Moines until 1987, when he moved to Oscoda, Michigan. He then moved to Kentwood, Michigan, near Grand Rapids in 1996, where he lived until moving to Holton in 2011. In 2019, Marc moved to Mesa, Arizona.
Marc graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1970 and entered the workforce. He began to work for Northwestern Bell Systems in 1972, starting as a telephone pole lineman. Eventually Marc worked his way into a promotion to business systems management prior to his retirement in 2002 after 30 years with Avaya, AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and Northwestern Bell. After retirement from Avaya, Marc worked for 12 years at DTE Energy as a contractor and employee.
Outside of work, Marc was known for several of his hobbies. He was a licensed Ham Radio operator from the age of 11, working for groups of amateurs in Iowa, Michigan, and Arizona. He worked as a volunteer weather spotter in Iowa, was treasurer of a relay group in Michigan, and worked with CERT (Civilian Emergency Response Teams) that helped FEMA and other government agencies when coordinating and responding to local emergencies.
When possible, Marc would spend as much time as he could outdoors. Anyplace that he could fish, you would usually find him with a pole in his hand and a few choice curse words for the stumps and rocks he would inevitably snag with his hook. He would hunt all manner of birds, pheasants, and deer in the Fall and early winters of Iowa and Michigan. He was a certified scuba diver and early in his life he spent many weekends under the surface of a lake, exploring what he could of life and treasure beneath the waves. He was active for many years as a Scoutmaster and adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America, guiding at least 7 boys to the rank of Eagle Scout during his time active in Scouting. These included both of his sons, who earned their Eagles with his guidance. (And some very stern prodding.)
When he wasn’t enjoying the woods, lakes, and streams of the Midwest, Marc could be found cheering on his Detroit Red Wings and the local Iowa Cubs AAA baseball team or ferrying his children from one sporting event or another. His favorite teams were always whatever one his kids were playing for and would make time, even when he was working hours away, to show up for games when he could.
With his early love for bird hunting, Marc became a fan of German Shorthaired Pointers and American Brittany Spaniels, raising and rescuing several Brittany furbabies and always spoiling them with scraps and treats aplenty. This tradition also extended to his grandpups, as they could always expect to lick a plate clean or be snuck treats from the pockets of “Papa” when nobody else was looking. Every pup was certain to be spoiled when they were left with Papa.
Marc was a beneficiary of organ transplants, receiving a much-needed kidney transplant In December 2020. He devoted much of his time after the transplant to advocating for organ transplant education and registration amongst his family and friends. He never forgot his Christmas Miracle and the kidney that expanded his life.
Marc is survived by his wife Dorothy and three children Jamie (Donna), Robb (Dawn), and Wendy, his sisters Bobbi and Linda, and two grandchildren Grant and Evan. He is preceded in death by his mother and father (Barbara and Ted Sr.) and sister (Kathy).
A celebration of life service will be held at East University Church of God on Friday, January 6, 2023, from 4-6pm. The address for the service is 6630 East University Dr., Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to local Organ Donation services or the Humane Society in your community in Marc’s name.
Love you Less Marc!
Love you Less Marc!