On June 30, 2024, Mark P. McGree, age 77, took his last breath and peacefully passed away after being a 20-year warrior of Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia, while surrounded by his loving family at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus.
Preceded in death by loving parents John V and Mary Ann McGree and in-laws Arthur and LaVerne Holstein.
Mark is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathy McGree; son David (Lindsey) Penn-McGree and daughter Carrie (Andy) Drzewiecki; five grandchildren; siblings Jane (Steve) Kilgriff, Tim (Pat Curtner) McGree, Nell (Patrick) Garvin, and Lisa (Russ) Welch; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mark was born on August 15th, 1946, in Hastings, Minnesota. He was the second oldest of five siblings and took his role as an older brother seriously. In his youth he participated in many activities including football, track and debate and was a proud Hastings Raider.
Mark achieved significant academic, career and Navy milestones throughout his life. He graduated from Hastings High School and pursued higher education at the University of Minnesota, earning a BS in Mathematics Education and later a Master in Business Administration from the same university. Shortly after graduating from U of M, he joined the US Navy and continued to serve in the US Naval Reserves for nearly 30 years until he retired as a Captain. Mark and Kathy spent their early married years out east teaching, while he served in the US Navy. Mark and Kathy returned to Minnesota to be close to family, start their own family and grow their careers. Mark built a lifelong career for Xcel Energy (prev. NSP) where he obtained many national accolades in Solar and Wind Energy Planning.
Mark was a loving and supportive husband and father. He encouraged and was proud of his children in every activity they participated in from athletics to music to academics and even joined in the fun by coaching and volunteering with their youth sports teams and refereeing hockey with his son. He cherished spending time with his grandchildren by babysitting, playing games, cheering them on the athletic field and building and tinkering with them in the garage.
Many would call Mark a true Golden Gopher Super Fan as he was a lifelong season ticket holder and loved attending hockey and football events with his wife and friends. Throughout his life, Mark had a true love of learning that continually brought him back to the U of M to take extra college math and science classes “for fun” even into his 70s. Mark’s spirit will be deeply missed by all, but he was a true warrior and role model for everyone around him.
Funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 9 at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4537 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN. Mass at 11 a.m., visitation one hour prior. A private burial service followed.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation in Mark’s name.
