Kevin Alan Gertsen

Kevin Alan Gertsen

Marion

Kevin Alan Gertsen, 65, of Marion, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Hospice of Mercy.

Kevin was born in Ames, Iowa, on March 22, 1957, to Arneth and Ihlene (Carpenter) Gertsen. The family lived in Story City, moved to Cedar Rapids then Marion, where he graduated from Linn-Mar High School in 1975. He was a graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.A. in English with certification to teach high school. He worked at a local ad agency then worked in marketing at Securities Corporation of Iowa, where he met his best friend and wife. Kevin married Deborah Lindberg on Aug. 15, 1987. He returned to the University of Iowa and achieved his teaching certification in elementary education. He taught fifth grade at St. Ludmila Catholic School (known as Mr. G) until 1997 when he became a stay-at-home dad. When he recapped his day, he would say, “The kids and I were at the park with all the other moms and kids.” He was efficient in making sure his children had baths at night and dressed in the clothes they would wear the following day so he wouldn’t have the hassle in the morning. He was well known to his children’s friends (known as KG) and gave many rides to/from events. He enjoyed attending his children’s activities and helped coach baseball and basketball.

He was previously a board member of the Marion Public Library, enjoyed driving three days a week for Meals on Wheels, was a member of the Linn-Mar chain gang and coached Metro Youth Football for 17 years. Kevin was an avid Linn-Mar Lions, Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears fan. He was known for waking up his family with the famous, “You can put it on the board, YES!” after a White Sox home run. He possessed a kind and giving heart with a mind full of quick-witted banter and answers to trivia questions.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Gertsen; daughter, Lauren Gertsen of Sun Valley, Idaho; and sons, Grant Gertsen and Jackson Gertsen, both of Marion. He is also survived by his brother, Steven Gertsen of Story City.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. June 23, at Lowe Park, 4500 North 10th St., Marion, Iowa. Kevin’s desire was for the celebration to be with attendees dressed in their favorite sports teamwear or in casual clothes.

In lieu of plants/flowers, donations may be made to Cedar Valley Humane Society, Holden Cancer Center, Horizons a Family Service Alliance or Hospice of Mercy.