Mark Robert McKeone

Funeral service will be live streamed via Cozad UMC YouTube channel

It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mark McKeone, who peacefully left this world on April 5, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. Mark was born on October 13, 1960, in Cozad, Nebraska, to Joe and Elizabeth (Betty) McKeone. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Mark was an avid outdoorsman, a passion that originated from family trips in their school bus converted to a camper, which was affectionately dubbed the “Fool Bus.” He treasured memories of hunting, fishing, camping, travelling, and skiing with his parents, brothers, sister, and extended family and friends. At a young age, he began working at McKeone Honey Farms alongside his family in the honey business, although he always claimed he worked the hardest of them all.

Mark graduated from Cozad High School, with the infamous onery class of '79. He was an excellent student and athlete, particularly excelling at basketball, and went on to play basketball at Kearney State College. After graduating from college, he married Julie Roland. They were blessed with two beautiful children: a daughter, Alexandra, and a son, Austin. Mark and Julie made their home in Omaha, where he graduated from Creighton Law School in 1987. Their marriage later ended in divorce. While in Omaha, he practiced law with Mayor Gene Leahy.

In the early 90’s Mark returned to Cozad to practice law and soon opened his own practice. He devoted his time to serving on various boards and volunteering in the community, including over twenty years on the Dawson Area Development and Cozad Development Board of Directors. He truly enjoyed being a Cozad Ambassador. He was a member of the Cozad Elks Lodge #2250 and the Dawson County Bar Association.

In 1997, he married Cindy Lundstrom, and this union blessed him with another daughter, Julie. Mark and Cindy spent lots of time with family and friends at Midway Lake and were very happy until her passing in 2010.

In 2016, he married Jennifer Wolf in a small ceremony at Camp Comeca. The couple enjoyed many adventures, traveling to various places and creating lots of special memories. They loved spending time with their blended family and volunteering in the community.

Mark leaves behind many friends who will miss his smile, wisdom, and grilling skills. He shared countless laughs with the Red Neck Card Club. Mark enjoyed any outdoor activity and was the best boat captain, teaching many how to water ski and wakeboard; however, he was happiest when he had a fishing pole in hand. He was passionate about college Volleyball and enjoyed watching all sports, especially the Huskers. We apologize to anyone who had to sit next to him at a Haymaker sporting event, as well as to any referees he may have offended over the years.

We will be lost without him, especially since he was the only one who could back up the boat trailer correctly. He is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer; his children, Julie (Jake) Fecht of Gothenburg, Alexandra McKeone of Omaha, and Austin (Megan) McKeone of El Paso, TX; stepchildren, Taylor (Derek) Hill of Omaha, Hanna (Connor) Beer of Omaha, and Zach Wolf (Bailey DeVall) of Kearney; and four grandsons: Gunnar Fecht, Beau Fecht, Brooks Beer, and Camden Hill. He is also survived by three siblings: Kert (Lorre) McKeone of North Platte, Tod (Michele) McKeone of Lexington, and Barbara (Kent) Wichelt of Blue Grass, Iowa, Brother-in-Law Todd (Wendy) Lundstrom as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Betty McKeone; and his late wife, Cindy McKeone; and great nephew Oaks Wiedeman.

Memorials are suggested to the Cozad Community Foundation to be distributed to the community or to the Robert Henri Endowment. Services will be held Monday, April 14, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Cozad United Methodist Church with Pastor Bellarmee Milosi officiating. Burial will be private. Visitation with family present will be Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.