Mark graduated in 1976 from Jamesville-Dewitt Central School in Dewitt, New York where he was a star wrestler and letter recipient. Mark moved with his parents and siblings to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1977 at the age of 19 from Syracuse, New York. It was in Lincoln at Woodlawn Estates swimming pool, where he was a lifeguard, that he first set eyes on a young woman in a white bikini with long brown hair. He looked at his brother, Dan, and said to him “I’m going to marry that girl someday” to which Dan replied “Yeah right, dream on brother.”
Mark indeed married that young woman named Christie on December 23, 1978, 4 months after meeting her. They were married in the chapel at Lincoln General Hospital (now Bryan LGH West). Many, including the pastor who performed their wedding ceremony, told them it would never last. Mark and Christie proved everyone wrong. A little over nine months later in October 1979 they welcomed their first daughter, Carla, in to the world. Followed four years later by their second daughter, Pamela, in 1983.
Mark earned his Associates Degree in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning from Southeast Community College Milford campus in 1981. HVAC was Mark’s true calling in life, and something he enjoyed doing and took great pride in over his 43-year career. Over the span of his career he taught many HVAC classes, ran several large companies, and owned two different HVAC companies. Mark ended his long-time career when he retired in January 2024 from Southeast Community College Lincoln campus where he was in charge of the HVAC systems in their entirety for the past 11 years. It has been said more than once that Mark likely forgot more about heating and air conditioning than most will ever even learn about it.
While Mark enjoyed his career there was one thing he loved more and that was his family. Mark loved his family with every fiber of his being. He always stressed, to anyone who would listen, how important family was. Mark enjoyed his little family and was excited each time his daughters gave him a grandchild. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and had a special bond with each one of them. In April 2024 he was over the moon to welcome his first great-grandson whom he bragged about to anyone who would listen. He was a proud husband, dad, papaw and great-papaw.
In 2017 Mark lost his wife of almost 40 years, Christie. This was a difficult time for him but he leaned on his family and made it through. There was not a day that went by that Mark did not talk about the love of his life and he looked forward to the day they would meet again.
After retiring in January 2024 Mark took up an old hobby of his, building models. He enjoyed working on models while watching Antiques Roadshow and snuggling his pug, Ruger. A little-known fact about Mark is that he was an amazing harmonica player and could play along to most songs on the radio. Mark was a lifelong Cleveland Browns and Nebraska Husker fan. He enjoyed riding his Harley and taking his grandkids on rides around town. Although as his health declined, he rode less and less, but he never forgot the feeling of being on a Harley and flying down the highway!
Mark is survived by his daughters Carla Kilgore and Pamela Lowery (Joe Ganz), grandchildren, Christie Kilgore (Mustapha Muhammad), Calli Simonsen (Austin Willis), Cordell and Cale Simonson, Kaden, Savannah, and Aurora Lowery, great-grandson Cayson Alvah Willis. Brother Mike (Wendy) Kilgore, sisters Pat (Bob) Meeker, Michelle (Mike) Kilgore-Wolfe, and Kathy (Dan) Bubb.
Preceded in death by his parents, wife Christie, and brother Dan.
Life Celebration Gathering will be from 3-5 on Saturday January 4, 2025, Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel Reception Facility.
Memorials to the Capital Humane Society and American Heart Association.