Mark Allen Gutknecht

Mark Gutknecht, 60, of Cedar Rapids passed away at home on August 10, 2021.  He was born in Cedar Falls on June 11, 1961, to Richard & Bernice (Bloch) Gutknecht.  Mark graduated from Dike High School with the Class of 1979, then attended Brown Institute of Broadcasting in Minneapolis, MN, where he earned a degree in Advance TV Techniques.  He landed his first and only career job at KGAN as a Master Control Operator for 41-1/2 years.  Yes, he was that guy we always complain about running too many commercials.  Mark was never bored – if he wasn't working his full-time job, he was refereeing volleyball for the Iowa Girls High Schools.  He enjoyed seeing the girls each year and a lot of them enjoyed Mark's humor.  He refereed for over 32 years.  In addition, he worked for the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders, Paramount Theater, McGrath Amphitheater and Cedar Rapids Power House.  Despite a busy schedule, Mark was never too busy for his family; especially if homemade food or leftovers were involved.  He tried his hardest to catch all of his great-nieces and nephews sporting events.  Mark was known by many because of his work and community involvement.  He will be missed by all.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rita Gutknecht; and great-niece, Hope Ohrt.  He is survived by 2 sisters, Bev (Gary) Bearbower of Center Point and Roxann (Doug Jungling) Blum of Dike; nieces and nephews:  Brandi (Alex) Barber of Center Point, Greg (Megan) Bearbower of Polk City, Josh (Christina) Blum of Cement, OK, Janae (Jeremy) Ohrt of Gilbertville, Ryan (Tiffany) Blum of Strafford, MO, and Rittney (Matthew) Greer of Topeka, KS; great-nieces and great-nephews: Garron Barber, Patience (Mark) Moyer, Ella Bearbower, Alexis (Kaleb) Smith, Taron Blum, Hunter (Katie) Ohrt, Fischer Ohrt, Faith Ohrt, Silas Blum, Tyler Blum, Gus Greer, Andre Greer; great-greats: Amenadiel Smith, Kaden Moyer, Rowan Moyer and Payten Ohrt; and a good family friend, Dave Albright.

Mark's funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, August 16, 2021, with an hour of visitation prior to the service as well as visitation Sunday afternoon from 3-5 pm all at River's Edge Church in Waterloo.  Private burial will follow at a later date at Zion Lutheran Cemetery of Hudson.  Condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome@cfu.net and memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.