Mark William Gauger

MARK WILLIAM GAUGER

Iowa City

Mark William Gauger, 65, of Iowa City, passed away suddenly March 18, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.

Mark was born Dec. 23, 1955, in Waterloo, Iowa, to William and Carole (Gjerde) Gauger. The family moved to Iowa City in 1965, where

he graduated from Iowa City City High School in 1974. Mark attended The University of Iowa and graduated with his bachelor's degree in Journalism. He married the love of his life, Beth Roberts,

on April 1, 1985, in Iowa City, where the couple enjoyed more than 35 memorable

and loving years together.

As a teen Mark excelled as editor for the City High year book, winning a national award for his styling and innovation, participated in City High theater productions and he made deliveries for the flower shop his Mother and Joanne Peterson started in Iowa City in 1972, Every Bloomin' Thing. Mark saw an opportunity and followed an inspiration to open a toy department in the lower level of the flower shop. Eventually moving the store independently to the ped-mall downtown on Dubuque Street, as The Fun Zone. Mark loved serving his community and appreciated those who became family to him. What started out as "Toys in the Basement", grew into a successful business in the community spanning 29 years. Due to health issues and the economy, Fun Zone Toy Store closed in 2008, which was an incredibly hard decision and devastating loss for Mark.

Mark had no children of his own but through his store, he nurtured and encouraged hundreds of children that he enjoyed seeing time and time again. He was loved by the community for, his open heart, helping hands and sense of humor.

Mark was dedicated to family and friends and shared an incredible and loving bond with his parents and his two siblings. Mark was a humble man with a huge creative spirit and and wicked sense of humor. His appreciation for life shone brightest when he was sharing joy, wonder and laughter with the people around him, family and friends and especially his wife Beth. His greatest wish was that his friends would be happy. He will be missed for the good he brought not only to the community but it's positive, far reaching effect in the world.

To celebrate his life, a memorial service will be announced at a later date. Inurnment will be at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City. Memorial donations may be made to The Iowa City Public Library.

Mark is survived by his parents, William and Carole Gauger of Iowa City; his wife, Beth Gauger of Iowa City; two siblings, David Gauger (Ann Goodenberger) of Tacoma, Wash., and Ann Gauger of Boston, Mass.; nephews, Peter Gauger and Alex Gauger and their wonderful families; niece, MacKenzie Gauger; and a tremendous list of treasured friends.

Online condolences and memories of Mark may be shared with his family at www.lensingfuneral.com.