Well, to start, uncle Mark I will channel you in this moment as I had written my memory a few hours ago and it evidently did not upload somehow.  I can imagine you saying and doing things that I am right now.  But here it is.  My uncle Mark and Aunti M came to CT not so long ago and made it a point to come see my new place even though it is in east bumble F.  (Pretty sure uncle Mark would not have said 'F').  I ordered pizza and he jumped in with me to go pick it up.  On the way we talked about how I loved my drive to work and he said something like, "Yeah it's nice to have some time to think and make a plan for the day."  Took the words straight out of my head before I could even utter a word!  We got home, throwing back some slices and he looked at a pine tree in my yard and said that tree is wacky!  I said something like, "Yeah but I think it's on the way out."  He quickly corrected me and said, "Look at the bright green at the tips, that's new growth, she'll be just fine."  That wacky tree is still standing and every time I look at it I think of my uncle Mark.  We sat on the deck, shared some Blanton's and just bullshitted.  That was my uncle Mark.  A man that cared more then he ever wanted to admit, a true hero in every sense of the word.  Love to my entire Van Gestal family :)

My Uncle Mark

We had a special kind of relationship. My uncle and I. I threw petals at their wedding so I'm kind of a big deal. Ha-ha. It was the time of my life. They let my best friend come so I've been more or less indebted to him ever since.   ;)

My Uncle Mark: He liked to pretend he was annoyed about my politics and my dietary choices and so much else, but I liked to poke the bear. Well, to be fair, he wasn't exactly pretending (he was annoyed!), but I know he enjoyed the annoyance, and I sure enjoyed the poking. I think he liked it too. We came at each other with a love and vengeance that weirdly harmonized. 

We differed on almost every front in these respects, but in some way, together, we played a strange little song. I wish our mutual disagreement and acceptance could be bottled for the sake of unification at a large scale. I don't know how this worked, but it did. 

He could not stand my opinions, but he more than loved me. He liked me. And I knew it. I could get away with saying and doing things most couldn't. Somehow, we had a deeper understanding, and we could go to places most could not. I could push him to his limits. And he could do the same. 

I loved him in spite of himself. My opinionated, snarky, blustery uncle. Crack his shell though (Tati -- I'm looking at you) and oops -- there is more to see. Watch him ooze.  Elbowed. Loved. Missed. 

Love, your pain in the you-know-what-niece, Jamey

So many memories have flooded in, but here are some to share...

A favorite: I remember this time when he thought he'd teach me how to cast to fly fish in the front yard of my parents' house.  I made a hot mess of it about 1,000 times, and he was so patient.  I finally got it.  I just remember that huge grin on his face - and mine.

Other random things...
- One of my earliest childhood memories is of me looking at him holding baby Zach.
- Visiting in Mandan and watching the incredible sunsets.
- He liked to call my son Jackson "snorkosaurus"...I think he used that for the boys too. : )
- We both randomly shared a love of MG Midgets
- Drinking good wine and brown liquor (bourbon for him, whiskey for me)
- I seem to remember a marine story where he jumped into a ditch filled with poo.  But fact-check me on that one - might have been having one of those brown liquor, up to 2am nights!

He had a giant heart and a fierce spirit.  We'll all miss him.

Love,
Beck


Dear Marilyn and Family

We send our deepest condolences to you and your family.  I remember going to dinner with you and the family a while back and wanted to say how much we enjoyed that time and the other times we have shared with you.  I hope we will see you at Jim and Lindas in the near future.  Stay well.

Love,
Al & Carol

Marilyn, so shocked and saddened to see that Mark has passed.  We are all so sorry for your loss.  Always enjoy chatting with you both when you're in the restaurant.  He will be sorely missed by many.

I first met Mark aka dad #2 when I was no older than 10. He's been a large part of my life ever since.  He's scolded me, scared the hell out of me (with nothing but his eyes) praised me and shared life lessons with me throughout the years. Mark opened his arms to my wife and children as if they were his own family. He actually (19 years ago) gave my less than 1 year old son a tortilla chip while we were dining at Carlos O'Kellys in Omaha and preceded to tell us to chill....he'll be fine. Mark was larger than life. A best friend to my dad and the brother my father never had. Mark, thank you for all the love and support with my family and my Whiskey and a Hammock adventure.  We love you and miss you. God bless and Semper Fi

Rest Easy Marine. It was truly an honor to know you. 

Marilyn and family, I am so sad to hear of the news of Mark's passing! He was such a great neighbor and friend. He always made me laugh! I know he was always watching out for me as he would drive by and text me to  say our garage was  open or our gate was open. I loved stopping by when I saw you on the porch and Ozzie was so excited to see you both. I am so sad for you Marilyn, and I will always be here if you need anything, a shoulder to cry on, someone to talk  to. Mark was like the neighborhood police tough guy, watch guard.  God apparently needed  another angel to help Him  look out for the world, not just our neighborhood. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May his wonderful soul rest in  eternal peace. Prayers to you my friend! 

OBITUARY

Mark Van Gestel

January 24, 1950 – March 8, 2021

Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park

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