In Loving Memory of Mark Dean Petersen

Celebrating a Life Well Lived

It is with the deepest of sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mark who departed this life on 27-October-2025 at 71 years old. Mark was born in Grand Island, Nebraska and grew up in Lincoln with his parents, Dean and Marie Petersen.

Mark graduated as a National Honor Student from East High School.  Mark graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1977 with degrees in Math and Economics.  He returned to the University of Nebraska Law College and received his law degree in 1983.  

As a young man, Mark spent time working at his dad’s trucking company.  During high school, Mark took jobs in high school and college building houses.  By the time Mark graduated from college, he had many talents but chose to continue building homes.  When a lull occurred in the housing market, Mark returned to UNL to pursue a Law degree. After practicing law for 10 years, Mark returned to building custom designed homes until he retired in 2013.

Mark was known for never meeting a stranger.  His love and enthusiasm for life and his compassion for people paired with his many talents frequently came together to help people in a variety of magical ways. Mark had a passion for cooking. He rarely made the same dish twice simply because he always thought there was an improvement to be made. He loved to share recipes and cook for others. Most of all he loved to make a meal and sit down with family and friends to enjoy it. As a young person, Mark enjoyed keeping fit by working out, running marathons, and biking. Mark and Mary rode in the BRAN event several times and even parachuted out of airplanes. Over the years, Mark and Mary shared their lives with five of their own dogs, worked with the Domesti-PUPS in the Weekend Warrior Program training mobility service dogs. Mark was always willing to help both dogs and people as a need arose.

Mark is survived by his wife, Mary, and his sisters Judi Olivetti (Jim Starita) and Shirley Wall (Greg Wall), sister-in-law Jenni Petersen Brant, a niece and 4 nephews (Carina Olivetti, Calen Olivetti, Max Wall, Kevin Wall and Patrick Wall) as well as countless friends who will forever hold his memory close. Mark was predeceased by his parents, his brother Eric, and brother James who died as an infant.

A memorial service will be held at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home at  TBD.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Capital Humane Society in Lincoln, Nebraska.

https://www.bmlfh.com/obituary/mark-petersen