Jeff Marcinko

Jeffrey Paul Marcinko, 50, sadly passed away, Friday, August, 9, 2024, at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona. By his side were his wife, parents, sister, family and friends. He died from complications of Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID). He battled the disease with a positive attitude and his humorous personality, never passing up an opportunity to make the doctors and nurses laugh. They nicknamed him, Jeff “The Funny Man” Marcinko.

Jeff was born April 10, 1974, in Baltimore, Maryland, and was lovingly adopted by Rudy and Ann Marcinko. As a young boy, Jeff showed signs of his determined spirit. “Jecky do myself,” he would say, pronouncing his name the only way he could at the time and creating his lifelong nickname of Jecky.

Growing up, Jeff treasured his family’s annual summer vacations to Ocean City, Maryland, where they enjoyed beach time, exploring the boardwalk and eating steamed shrimp and Thrasher’s fries. He also enjoyed numerous outings to Chicago Bears and Bulls games as well as special trips to Indy 500 races and two Super Bowls.

Jeff’s family moved to Chicago in 1975 for his dad’s job with Amoco Oil. The family was transferred again in 1991, this time to Des Moines, Iowa. That move was a challenge for Jeff as it was his senior year in high school, but his response was, “If it is good for the family, then let’s go!” This response was characteristic of Jeff, who often prioritized what was best for those he loved.

Jeff graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1992. Dowling Catholic was where he met his best friend and partner in crime, Michael Kiernan, who would accompany him on many adventures over the years. After high school, he pursued his interest in technology, spending most of his career at Wells Fargo. A company promotion led to his transfer to Phoenix in 2019, where he continued his successful career in banking technology. Jeff was recognized for being a talented systems engineer, problem solver and passionate team member.

After being single for many years, Jeff finally found the love of his life, Mandy Schwartz, in 2014. It was a combined effort by his mom, Ann, and Mandy’s sister, Tisha, who collaborated to set them up on a blind date. Jeff and Mandy bonded over their mutual sense of humor, love of Chicago, affinity for beaches and oceans, enjoyment of music and a commitment to family, friends and faith. They married in Chicago in 2017.

Jeff had a big heart and a big sense of humor. He loved making people laugh. He loved swimming in the ocean, hiking mountains, sipping an IPA, tracking weather patterns and playing with his dog. He had a deep appreciation for nice cars, especially his beloved BMW. He had a natural talent for doing home renovation and repair, cooking, photography, and being a loving husband.

Jeff leaves behind his wife, Mandy; parents, Rudy and Ann Marcinko; sister, Kristin (Jason) Herrig; Mandy’s parents, Vern (Vickie) Schwartz, Kathy (Dick) Biederman and sister, Tisha (Kent) Hall. Jeff relished being “Uncle Jeff” to Nora Herrig and Sam, Maddy, Olivia, Ben, and DJ Hall. He was also “Uncle Jeff” to the children of numerous friends and “Dad” to his beloved goldendoodle, Wrigley. Jeff was deeply grateful for the love of his wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Visitation will begin at 10am with a funeral mass to follow at 11am. A Celebration of Life will be held following the mass from 12:30-4pm at BeerStyles Taproom and Gastropub, 5513 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Immune Deficiency Foundation, P.O. Box 735108, Chicago, IL 60673-5108 or online at primaryimmune.org.