Greg Markle

Fun-loving, kind, and caring, Greg Markle lived a life rich in family and friends. Greg was a cool person whose quick wit and storytelling skills were only exceeded by his love for his family, especially his mom and dad. Charming and gregarious by nature, Greg enjoyed many friendships and was usually the life of the party. He welcomed each day as a gift and knew how to balance hard work and dedication with fun and laughter, inspiring many good times. Though our days with Greg were far too few, every moment we shared with him is a gift we will long treasure.

1955 proved a year of vibrant growth, with consumerism taking off in previously unimaginable ways. With the sale of nearly 7.9 million cars, for the first time in history, seven out of ten families in the US owned an automobile, and new laws were created to require seat belts to be installed on all new cars. This was the year Ray Kroc built the first McDonald's, and TV dinners appeared, including the first fish fingers. Cans of Coca-Cola, Lego, Velcro, and The Mickey Mouse Club all made their debuts during this prosperous year, while Rock and Roll continued to grow in popularity with more idols, including Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. Locally, this time of hope and plenty grew especially bright as Richard Earl and Elida (Hall) Markle welcomed their son Greg to their family on December 14 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The second of eight children, Greg grew up in Alamo in the good company of his siblings, Linda, Kathleen, Richard, Anthony, Curtis, Elizabeth, and Matthew. Greg's father was a machinist for Eaton Corporation, worked as a mechanic, and later started his own business, Bug Buster pest control. His mother was a homemaker who gifted Greg a love of music and playing cards. The pair would sing and harmonize to the songs of the day for hours on end. Greg also loved to dance!

Greg enjoyed an awesome childhood growing up in a rural setting where he learned the value of hard work and the love for growing things in the family’s big garden. In the summer, blueberry picking was a special family outing as well as feasting on a juicy, ripe watermelon. Being the oldest son, he got to drive his grandpa Markle’s John Deere tractor and would occasionally pop wheelies. He rode a Sears Spyder bike, and along with his siblings, Greg played football, kickball, and baseball with the neighborhood gang—the Chesters, the Grassnicks, and the Stevens. On really hot days, he’d sit for hours with Kathy popping tar bubbles on the street, running through the sprinkler, drinking out of hoses and sleeping out under the stars while telling ghost stories. The kids often went “street walking” at night to watch the heat lightning after a storm. One day, Greg’s Aunt Linda took him to a Detroit Tigers game, solidifying his love for both Aunt Linda and baseball. He played Little League baseball and was especially close to his sister Kathy, and his brother, Rich, with whom he shared a room. While attending Otsego schools, he played drums in the band and enjoyed woodworking in shop class. He was a skilled craftsman and throughout his life he enjoyed working with his hands.

His parents were a joyful influence in his early years making all of the holidays special for their growing brood. The Markle kids enjoyed delicious, home cooked meals around the table every night, and attending Sunday school and vacation Bible school. Greg rode in the back of his dad’s pickup truck with his siblings on their way to their favorite swimming holes, North Lake or Maple Isle. As a special treat, they’d stop at The Carousel for ice cream. Every Fourth of July included an Elvis Presley movie at the drive-in theater, with the fun of lighting sparklers during intermission. They had ponies, a snowmobile, and a tree fort, and his dad made sure Greg and his siblings had a car to drive in the open field next to their home. Greg was fortunate enough to learn how to work on cars with his dad.

After graduating from high school in 1974, Greg married Kathryn McCall. Though the marriage ended in divorce, Greg was always grateful that it gifted him his three sons, Gregory, Jeremy, and Richard "Rocky."

In 1977, Greg enlisted in the United States Air Force. Other young men in the Alamo neighborhood were enlisting, and he wanted to be a part of this movement. He enjoyed his time in the military working as an aircraft mechanic and sharing camaraderie with other service members.

After his discharge from the Air Force, Greg moved to California instead of returning to harsh Michigan winters. He found a home in Oakley and worked as an architectural designer for 48 years. He liked his work and was good at it, designing simple landscapes to elaborate multi-million dollar designs. He had a vision for his clients and listened to their desires and helped them transform outdoor areas into an oasis.

Despite living on the West Coast, Greg remained very close to his family back in Michigan and took great care of them when they visited. Anytime his parents visited, he picked them up from the airport in a limousine and ensured they saw the sights, including a swap meet. Anything from well known restaurants in San Francisco to touring California’s famous wine country, he knew how to take care of his family and friends that traveled to visit him. Over the years, Greg made weekly phone calls to his parents and to his sister Kathy. Once his parents died, his weekly calls to his sister became almost daily. His Michigan goodbyes always ended with several, “I love you, sis.” He frequently checked in on his sister, Linda. He communicated often with his brothers, Rich, Curt, and Matt, whom he shared a deep connection with and to whom he dearly loved. Even though he lived in the Bay Area for years and followed the 49ers, he remained a life long Detroit Lions fan.

With a heart of gold and a penchant for flirting, Greg loved to entertain at his house and cook for his guests. He was very organized; there was always a cold Budweiser and great food to be had. Personally, Greg liked Country music and had a big vinyl and CD collection. During Thanksgiving of 2023, Greg came home and shared the holiday with his parents and family. He cooked a turkey in the ground. He dug a pit, used charcoal, and wrapped the turkey in aluminum foil; it turned out perfectly!

A man who enjoyed life's simple pleasures, Greg loved dogs, fishing, hunting, and working on projects around his house. He had an affinity for Boxers, enjoying their energy and personality. However, his favorite dog was a Shih Tzu named Willie; he was broken hearted when Willie died. His favorite places to fish were the San Francisco Bay and Lake Michigan. A skilled craftsman, Greg built a beautiful addition in his backyard which he named “The Hideout” for entertaining guests. It wasn’t complete without the two stained glass windows he installed. Earlier, during his high school years, Greg played freshmen and junior varsity football and was happy to work on projects, especially restoring his dad’s .22 rifle in industrial arts.

As we navigate the idea of life in the absence of Greg's steadfast companionship, may we find much comfort in our many wonderful memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy forward. In each moment we celebrate life's joys, confidently face the day's challenges, cheer on our loved ones' endeavors, relish time with family and friends, or cast our lines in our favorite fishing hole, we keep Greg's memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired each of us.

Greg Markle died unexpectedly on Monday, May 19, 2025. He is survived by his 2 sons: Jeremy John Markle and Rocky (Jessica) Markle; 6 grandchildren: Zach, Tyler, Landi, Jake, Caleb, Hannah; great-grandchildren: Heidi and Gregory; 6 siblings: Linda Timmsen, Kathleen (Franklin) Ryan, Richard (Lisa) Markle, Anthony Markle, Curtis Markle, and Matthew Markle. Uncle Greg was beloved and also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, cousins, and a special childhood cousin, Glenn Merica. He was preceded in death by his son Greg; a sister, Elizabeth Brand; his parents; and his longtime companion, Joyce Brown.

Services will be announced. Celebrate Greg's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.