Gary James Markstrom

Gary James Markstrom, 61, of Lake Havasu City, AZ (formerly Howell, MI) passed away late evening July 21, 2024, in Kingman, AZ succumbing to prostate cancer. He was born April 2, 1963, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI to Charles and Mae Markstrom. Gary is survived by his spouse of 14 years, Ginny Waltz Markstrom; three step-children, Robyn Strong, Austin Strong, Nichole Strong (Ed Cruz) and grandchild Koah Strong Cruz; mother Mae Markstrom; two siblings Darryl Markstrom (Cindy), Marlene Roach (Richard); nephew Michael Roach, niece Joni Roach (Mike Preuss); and many aunts, uncle, and cousins. Gary is preceded in death by his father, Charlie Markstrom. Gary grew up in Cedarville, MI graduating in 1981 from Cedarville High School. He earned his BSCE from Michigan Tech University in 1985. He started his professional engineering career with Boyle Engineering in Bakersfield, CA. In 1990, Gary moved back to Michigan working for McNamee, Porter & Seeley later becoming Tetra Tech Inc., quickly rising to a Vice President position. He managed hundreds of public works projects throughout Michigan and is responsible for designing many of the largest public projects within Livingston County and other Michigan municipalities. He formed long-term relationships serving many of the same clients throughout his career. Gary mentored dozens of young engineers whose careers developed under his oversight. He held professional engineering licenses in MI, AZ, CA, WI, and OH. An avid sportsman, Gary enjoyed the outdoors; flying, hunting, boating, golfing, off-roading, and hiking. He enjoyed participating in weekly golf league and golfing trips with his co-workers. He obtained his private pilot license in 2013 and his instrument certification in 2015. His first plane (co-owned) was a Beechcraft 35 Bonanza single engine. He and Ginny enjoyed many flights together to areas across the USA. The most memorable trip was Pontiac MI to Lake Havasu City, AZ. He will be missed more than words can say. Gary's Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Howell Memorial Chapel. Family and friends will gather at 11AM with a memorial service and sharing time at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the family for young civil engineers scholarship fund.
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