Gregory Duane Gethers

Gregory Duane Gethers passed peacefully in his home in Trabuco Canyon, California on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 following a two-year battle with glioblastoma. He was surrounded by close family and his dog, Zoe.

Greg was born in Richmond, Indiana on August 4,1962 to Shirley Jean Trubac and the late Shirle Duane Gethers. Growing up, he bonded with friends over his love of sports and classic rock (Rush, especially), and developed his characteristic witty sense of humor. His dad instilled in him a passion for the sport of IndyCar, establishing an annual family Indy 500 tradition beginning in 1974 that Greg continued throughout his life.

Before starting high school, Greg moved to Rockford, Michigan, where he met the love of his life, Joanne Marie Gethers, working together at a local McDonald’s. The pair attended Michigan State University together, where Greg completed his Bachelor of Arts degree and his Master’s degree in business, and the Spartan nation gained a dedicated life-long fan.

Following university, Greg and Joanne were married in 1987 and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to begin their family. His son, Michael Gregory, was born in 1991 and his daughter, Jennifer Marie was born in 1994. A spirited family man, Greg spent the rest of his life putting his wife and children first, making sure “Team Gethers” had countless diverse, memorable experiences.

In 2001, Greg moved his family to Orange County, California so that they could enjoy year-round sunshine in a new location. He worked as a Director for Johnson & Johnson, always taking immense pride in his work. Greg was the epitome of humility and earnestness and always saw the positive in others.

Greg is survived by: his wife, Joanne Gethers; son, Michael Gethers; daughter, Jennifer Gethers; mother, Shirley Trubac; sister, Sheri Trubac; in laws, Terry and Loretta Staskey; and his loving nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6th from 4-7 PM at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave. NE in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Greg's Funeral Service will be on Saturday, March 7th at 11 AM at Reyers North Valley Chapel, family and friends may gather one hour prior to the funeral. Greg will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery on Saturday, March 7th at 1:30 PM. Funeral Services have also taken place in February in Laguna Hills, California.

No matter Greg’s role in anyone’s life -- husband, father, colleague, neighbor, you name it -- he was, first and foremost, a friend to all. The impact he had on the lives he touched will live forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Greg to be sent to UCI Health in support of brain cancer research. Please make checks payable to “UCI Foundation” with “In memory of Gregory Duane Gethers" on the memo line. Mail checks to:

UCI Health Advancement

ATTN: Joy Kliewer

333 City Boulevard West, Suite 605

Orange, CA 92868

You can also make your donation online at: http://connect.uci.edu/GregoryGethersMemorialGifts

Please be sure to complete the “My Gift is in Memory or Honor of Someone” section:

- My gift is in:* Memory

- In Memory or Honor of (person’s name):* Gregory Duane Gethers

- Please notify the following person of this gift:* Joanne Gethers

- Mailing address of person to be notified:* 20 Mountain Laurel, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679