Mark Joseph Mulligan was unexpectedly called to his heavenly home on November 5th, 2021, at the age of 56. He was with his companion Gus. He is finally pain free and at peace!
Mark Joseph Mulligan was born in Ainsworth, NE, on October 11th, 1965. He was the son of Bob and Mary (Denny) Mulligan. Mary said Mark was a month overdue, and never late to another event after that. Mark was their first cowboy, having two older sisters, Tanna and Christi, and a younger brother, Bobby. He was baptized in the Catholic Church as a baby.
Mark grew up helping on the ranch as long as he could remember where his love of hunting developed at a young age. When he was 10 years old, he trapped and skinned numerous coyotes, stitching the hides if needed, and worked long days in the hayfield.
Mark attended Ainsworth Elementary School and several country grade schools. He went on to attend Sandhills Public High School and graduated in 1984. He was active in Boy Scouts, football, rodeo, FFA, and was known for being a prankster throughout his school years, but his passion was chasing a coyote, tracking a coon, or hunting whatever was in season. He really enjoyed music, anything from Alabama to the 80’s rock.
On June 1, 1985, he married his high school sweetheart Judy Kay Bailey in an outdoor ceremony at Mark’s family home near Purdum overlooking the river. Furthering his education, he attended Mid Plains Community College receiving his degree Building Construction Technology also studying small business management in 1986. After being blessed with their first son, Cassidy, and graduation, they moved their family to California where Mark had the opportunity to experience big city life. While there, he worked in construction, laying ceramic tile throughout Southern California, and golfed whenever possible.
In 1987, Mark and Judy returned to their Nebraska roots where their family expanded with the births of Chancey in 1988 and Caleb in 1991. He was back in his element of deer, bird, and raccoon hunting, fishing, trapping, building projects, and spending time with his family. Camping was a favorite weekend activity with family and friends. Mark always set up the camp and cooked his famous campfire potatoes while everyone ran and played. Opening day of deer season was the highlight of the year with his children and family. His last big deer was shot on Uncle Tom’s ranch and is proudly mounted on the wall. He had the opportunity to achieve his dream of elk hunting and did not see any elk, but instead got chased by a moose. Mark should have been born 150 years before his time, preferring to spend his time enjoying the simplicity of life; no modern technology to deal with!
Over the years, he worked remodeling numerous homes, including his mother’s and several other family members’, alongside his various full-time jobs of Valentine Beverage, Moosman bridge, ranching, Hodges propane, brand inspecting, and most recently at the Department of Transportation. He was also a volunteer firefighter. He was a perfectionist, which came in handy in all his building projects. He struggled with letting others do something he could do himself. He was always on the move and had a project, even when his body was telling him to slow down. Mark was always willing to help others at the drop of a hat.
Mark always dreamed of building his own home. He passed his carpentry skills to his sons, and later his grandson. He accomplished this dream alongside his sons, grandson and many family members or whoever else he could round up. When helping him, you waited for orders. He worked nonstop on his place planting trees, landscaping, and mowing the yard every 3 days. He allowed Judy a housecat in their new home that he fed and watered- it happened to be his prize bobcat mounted on the wall.
However, Mark’s favorite pastime was spending time with his family including his nieces and nephews, and later his grandson precious Harper Joseph. Harper and Mark spent time working on various projects, gardening, playing games, and continuing the camping tradition. Mark built a detailed barn with the family brand for Harper, even hand drawing the shingles, as well as toy guns, including a rifle with crosshairs, and special targets. Mark continued his prankster behavior playing cranks on anyone he could and also teasing children.
Mark loved Western movies, especially those with John Wayne. He also had a whole collection of western books; Louis L’amour was his favorite. He even has a signed copy which he got by making his little brother chase down Louis L’amour’s van to get the autograph from him personally. A couple of his favorite quotes were “COURAGE is being scared to death, but SADDLING up anyway.” and “Hurry it up. We’re burnin’ daylight!”
In his later years, Mark enjoyed kayaking. He got out of his comfort zone, traveling with friends and family from Hawaii to a Caribbean cruise. Grilling became a hobby, and he was always finding ways to perfect his ribs and brisket, even winning an award for them in a cook off. He became a Husker volleyball fan, especially a fan of #11, and enjoyed his first game in Lincoln with family. He also became more knowledgeable about politics and was concerned for our country.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Mulligan and Bob Mulligan, mother-in-law Lorraine Saner Glause, grandparents Vern and Gladys Denny and John and Bernice Mulligan, Aunt Dorla Dee and Uncle Curly Wendler, Uncle Terry Denny, Uncle Tom Sierks, his dear friend and cousin Kent Sierks, and his dog Tif.
Mark is survived by his wife Judy Kay (Bailey) and their sons, Cassidy, Chancey, and Caleb (Rilee Holl) Mulligan; favorite grandson Harper Joseph Mulligan; sisters, Tanna (Rick) Licking, Christi (Joe) Leonard; brother, Bob Mulligan (Sandy Linton); Uncle Doug (Nadine) Mulligan; father-in law, Bud Bailey and wife Karen; sisters and brothers in-law Carol Ann and Greg Fenske, Cindy and Pat Coffman, and Dr. John and Janet Jacobsen; brother-in-law, Brian Bailey; beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; Aunt Doris Sierks; Dustin Frank; his faithful dog Gus; granddog Tim; and many special friends.
Funeral service for Mark Joseph Mulligan was held on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at the Open Bible Church in Dunning. Pastor Mark Sievering officiated at the 11:00 AM service. Burial will be held at a later date. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine oversaw service arrangements.
