Mark William Gambrel

Mark William Gambrel, beloved husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa, and brother, passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. He left behind a legacy of love, quiet generosity, and a lifetime of devotion to family.

Mark was born on May 22, 1951, in Fort Collins, Colorado, the eldest of three boys born to Donald and Alice Gambrel Jr. He grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, alongside his two younger brothers, Blake and Kirk. Mark graduated from high school and continued his education at the North Dakota School of Science and later Northern State College.

On May 24, 1975, Mark married the love of his life, Donna Feist (his “Sunshine”), in Aberdeen, South Dakota. With that marriage, he proudly became an instant dad to two young boys, Tim and Tod. Mark began his career working for Pepsi in Aberdeen, then later as a location manager for Iseman’s Mobile Homes. Through his work with Iseman’s, the family lived in Sioux Falls, Grand Forks, Miles City, and Casper. They welcomed their third son, Tom, in 1979 while living in Miles City, MT.

In 1988, Mark and Donna returned to Sioux Falls, where Mark spent much of his professional life installing carpet and tile. While Mark enjoyed hunting, golfing, and billiards, his greatest fulfillment came from time spent with family and friends.

In 2018, Mark was diagnosed with dementia. With unwavering devotion, Donna walked beside him as they navigated this devastating disease together. Dementia not only stole memories, but slowly robbed Mark of his mobility. Through it all, Donna cared for him with incredible grace and limitless love. True to who he was, Mark never fully complied—he had to do things his way. Even near the very end, he remembered the names of loved ones and friends, greeting anyone who entered their home with a cheerful, “Hey, I know you!”

Family and friends were everything to Mark. He especially cherished time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. When it came to giving and helping others, Mark was always first, with no close seconds. Though he was known for his sharp one-line comments rather than long speeches, he was all heart. He had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor that those closest to him came to know and love. To his grandchildren, he will always be remembered as the one who made sure there were Reese’s Cups around—small treats that meant so much and became part of his quiet way of showing love. He gave freely, often without recognition, simply because that was who he was.

Mark is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Donna; his brother Blake; his sons Tim (Stacey), Tod (Lea), and Tom; his grandchildren Daniel (Elaine), Kinsey (Mason), Abbey (Denet), Jackson, Claudia, Joel, Isaac, Helen, Gabe, Karl, Kyle, Ryle and Adeline; and his great grandchildren Brooks, Reese, Stevie, Story, Noah, Olivia, Sophia, Laila, Rawlings, Tyrus, Karlee, and Kaycee. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and his special coffee friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Alice Gambrel, and his youngest brother, Kirk.

Mark's funeral service will be 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Eastside Baptist Church in Sioux Falls with burial at Hills of Rest Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.