Mark Gilbert

Mark T. Gilbert, 77, of Garner passed away Saturday, November 16, 2024, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Garner VFW, 315 Center Ave. in Garner. There will be a graveside service at 2:30 p.m., on Saturday at Concord Township Cemetery with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

 Mark Thomas Gilbert, the son of Warren and Florence (Russell) Gilbert, was born on January 28, 1947, in Mason City. He was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Garner. Mark graduated from Garner-Hayfield High School in 1965 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  He served his country during Vietnam being stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Washington and South Dakota where he worked as an aircraft painter. Following his honorable discharge in February of 1972 he returned to Iowa. He was married to Diane Pletcher and to this union two sons were born, Scott and Eric. They later divorced. On August 20, 1981, he married Diane Pedersen in Garner. They lived most of their married life in Garner. Mark operated an auto body shop in Garner for several years. He also worked at Winnebago Industries, IMT, Stellar, and CDI, where he retired at age 62. He enjoyed trapping, deer hunting, fishing, antiquing, pool league, bowling league, woodworking, and his pets.

He was a lifetime member of Edwin Jante VFW Post 5515 in Garner.

Mark is survived by his wife, Diane of Garner; two sons, Scott (Bonnie) Gilbert of Mankato, MN and Eric (Adrian) Eisenman of Minneapolis, MN; three step-children, Chris (Angie) Bierle of Garner, Travis (Kristy) Bierle of Garner and Heidi (Scott) Weaver of Altoona; grandson, Aidric Eisenman; step-grandchildren, Katelyn (Nick) Hunt, Amanda Bierle, Rachel Bierle, Ella Bierle, Jace Weaver,  Aspen Weaver, Brandon Weaver, Alyssa Weaver, Stacy (Jerrad) Smith; step-great-grandchildren, Briley Hunt, Avery Hunt, Christian Wachtel, Alivia Smith and Jeremiah Smith; seven siblings, Elizabeth (Arvin) Martinson of Denver, CO, Chris (Mary) Gilbert of Sheldon, Nancy (Bart) Bryan of Garner, Amy (Keith) Johnson, of Loveland, CO, Ruth (Mike) Bridges of Garner, Annette Gilbert of Loveland, CO and Dawn Ditter of Loveland, CO; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.