Mark Gelina

Second Lt. Mark Gelina, 33, of North Carolina, formerly of Moberly, died November 4, 2006 while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mark was born January 9, 1973 in Columbia. He graduated from Moberly High School and later enlisted the Marine Corps in March of 1996 and attended boot camp at MCRD San Diego. He then reported to the School of Infantry where he became a machine gunner. His first permanent duty station was in 29 Palms, CA with 3rd battalion, 7th marines (3/7). While at 3/7 he deployed twice to Okinawa, Japan for 6 months. He was promoted to Sergeant in April of 1999, in October of that year he reenlisted and was assigned to InspectorInstructor duty in Grand Rapids, MI. In September of 2001 he was accepted into the Marine Elisted commissioning Program. He then attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned a degree in Industrial Engineering. He was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in May of 2005 and reported to The Basic School (TBS) at Quantico, Virginia. He graduated from TBS in January of 2006 and was selected to attend Infantry Officers Course (IOC). Upon graduation from IOC, Lt. Gelina was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance battalion where he is 3rd platoon commander with Delta Company. Lt. Gelina's personal award include the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, The National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, The Global War on Terrorism Service, Navy Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of 2nd award, and the Navy Commendation Medal. Mark was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and his maternal grandfather. Mark married Stacey Petz, December 27, 1997 in Macon and she survives of the home. Also surviving are his children Cheyane Gelina, age 10, of Huntsville, MO, Nicholas Gelina, age 7 and Brett Gelina, age 1 1/2, both of Camp Lejeune, NC, stepson Bryan Cashatt, age 21, of Callao, MO, parents Teresa and Mel Coonce, of Moberly, MO, sister Tammy and husband Manuel Bailon, Kansas City, MO, brothers, Melvin and wife Pam Coonce, Springfield, MO, Mel and wife Amy Coonce, Dan and Tabby Coonce, both of Blue Springs, MO, and Nathan and Jennifer Gelina, of Moberly, MO, grandmother Phyllis Gelina, McAllen, TX, mother-in-law Peggy and husband Mike Griffis, of Macon, MO, father-in-law Duane and wife Barb Petz, of Iowa City, IA, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorials would be appreciated to Mark Gelina's Children Fund, c/o Bank of America in Moberly, MO. Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Missouri National Guard Armory in Moberly, with interment at Missouri State Veteran's Cemetery, Jacksonville, MO, with military honors. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 until 5 p.m. at Cater Funeral Home, Moberly, MO.