Mark Wayne Gehring

Mark Wayne Gehring, 79, of Salem, Ore. passed away surrounded by family on June 30, 2024. Born in Salem and raised in Silverton, Ore., he was the second of nine children. Both his passion for mechanics and his farm upbringing led him to pursue a degree in Agricultural Engineering at Oregon State University where he graduated in 1968. Throughout his time at OSU, he returned to Silverton each summer and fall to help run the Gehring family farm.

His studies weren’t the only thing that kept his attention at OSU. The beautiful and brainy Carol Lindley caught his eye while studying at Kerr Library in the fall of his freshman year. After weeks of studying in the same corner of the library, and with some encouragement from her Kappa Delta sorority sisters, he boldly asked her out. It began like all great love stories, he knew she was the one from the moment he laid eyes on her. In August 1966, Mark and Carol were married in the very small (but very packed) Trent Church of Christ. In true dedication to the farm, their wedding took place on a Sunday because it wasn’t a farming day.

Mark and Carol embarked on a big change in 1968, moving to Silvis, Illinois so Mark could take a job at John Deere. He traveled across the country as a reliability engineer, reviewing new combines as they first went into the field. He and Carol returned to the Willamette Valley in the fall of 1971 so he could pursue an MBA at OSU. But soon the fields called him back and he began farming again to help his family. Starting with beans, corn, and sugar beet seed, Mark later began farming berries, clover, wheat, and grass seed. He became one of the largest growers of Marionberries in the United States. He took an incredible amount of pride in his work and never stopped farming.

Mark and Carol, along with six other families, founded RainSweet, a berry processing company in Salem. From RainSweet’s first days packing strawberries in a Quonset hut on the Lafollette farm through the next 40 years of changes and growth, Mark was extremely proud of his part in creating one of the largest berry processing companies in the country.

Mark also served on the board of AgriPac for several years and then later on the board of the Farm Credit for two terms.

Mark began attending Bible Study Fellowship in 1990, which unfolded into a spiritual path that he followed for the remainder of his life. He became an active member at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He led Bible studies at the Oregon State Penitentiary for inmates there. At the Union Gospel Mission he was a frequent volunteer and philanthropist with a deep devotion to helping people in need.

While a life of farming doesn’t offer much in the way of down time, Mark certainly made the most of it. He took annual trips to Carol’s family cabin in Canada. He followed his love of wine and food to Italy. He kept his golf game sharp with rounds at Eagle Ridge, various courses in Palm Springs, and locally at Illahe Country Club. Since Carol is the ultimate OSU Beaver fan, he frequently joined her in Arizona for baseball season opening, and regular season football games at Reser Stadium.

More than anything, he loved hosting dinners and celebrating with family and friends - always keen to share a bottle (or more) of bold Napa cab, a perfectly cooked steak, and a big hug.

Mark had four children and nine grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter Vanessa, son-in-law Nick & grandchildren Zach and Zoe Nagy (Portland); his daughter Kristi, son-in-law Mark & grandchildren Jason and Vivian May (Salem); his son Matt, daughter-in-law Jennifer Johnson & granddaughters Jorja and Gigi (Palm Springs, Calif); son Luke, daughter-in-law Kristen & grandchildren Ben, Eli, and Cora (Sherwood); and his spoiled and adored cats Rad & CC. He is also survived by siblings Roger, Anita Scharer, Colleen Sullivan, Arnold & Philip. He was preceded in death by brothers Warren, Daniel & Byron. Finally, he is survived by the love of his life, his beloved wife of almost 58 years, Carol (Salem).

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV).

Services to honor and celebrate the life of Mark Gehring will be held on Thursday, July 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1770 Baxter Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97306. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Our Savior’s Christian School, Union Gospel Mission, or Smile Oregon.

The family would also like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the health care professionals at Salem Hospital and all those who have supported them during this difficult time.