OBITUARY
Mark A. Kniseley
July 4, 1957 – March 25, 2021
Mark Albert KNISELEY, age 63, of Frisco, Texas passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2021. Mark was born July 4, 1957 in Ames, Iowa to his loving parents Richard and Martha Kniseley. Mark was a graduate from Ames High School, Iowa State University - Ivy College of Business, where he was a member of the Honors Program and a Top General Business Graduate.
After graduation, Mark joined the US Army where he faithfully served his country as a Ranger in 1/75th Battalion. Once home, Mark went on to serve his Savannah, GA community, from 1978 to 1982, as a Police Officer. Mark then attended Iowa State University. After graduation he began his career with PepsiCo where he stayed for 33 years. He was known for his extreme passion to do what was best for the company. After many leadership roles, Mark, finished his career as a Senior Director... he was planning on retiring at the end of 2021.
Mark lived his life to the fullest. He believed in putting effort, and trying to be his best, into everything he set out to do. He was able to bring a smile, and a chuckle, to those around him with his sophisticated humor. Life taught Mark that if you work hard enough no one can beat you, regardless of talent. Mark loved the old TV shows movies. Some of his favorites were the Andy Griffith Show, Leave it to Beaver, Gun Smoke, The Twilight Zone, Indiana Jones and the Terminator. When listening to music it was the Beatles. But, it was his pets brought him the most joy. Mark leaves a legacy as a selfless man who took responsibility for himself and his family.
Preceded in death by parents Richard and Martha Kniseley. Mark is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 22 years, Monica; his dear sons Matthew Kniseley and Michael Kniseley; brother Richard Kniseley; and nephew James Kniseley; his precious fur-babies: Maggie, Marlee, Maya and Mia; and many dear friends.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held Thursday, April 8, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Stonebriar Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 10375 Preston Road, Frisco, TX 75033.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonebriarfh.com for the Kniseley family.
Services
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Celebration of Life Memorial Service
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Memories
Mark A. Kniseley
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYSarah Matchen
April 9, 2021
My sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to the Kniseley family. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Mark was an incredible mentor to me during the six years I was on his team at Pepsi. He was a true leader who challenged and motivated you to always do your best work and give it your all. Mark always made me feel valued and capable, and I will be eternally grateful to have known him.
Mark will be greatly missed. His legacy and memory will live on in the hearts of many.
Lisa Abel-Owen
April 8, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about your family's loss. Mark was one of the first people that I met when I started working at PepsiCo. Mark was always friendly, intelligent, and ethical peer. His spirit as both a leader and friend will remain with us.
I will always recall Mark's response to learning I was pregnant this year. He spoke of how life changing his children were for him when they were born and how he would do anything for his own children; his words spoke volumes for how much he loved his family. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Mark will be deeply missed.
Tina Cline
April 8, 2021
I had the privilege of working with Mark for several years. He was a wonderful man. He was a great leader and mentor. Mark was a man of integrity. He loved his family greatly.
Debra Pickens
April 8, 2021
Mark was truly a remarkable person and will be sorely missed for his kindness, care, and the guidance he provided throughout the years as my colleague at PepsiCo.
With heartfelt fondness and memory of his life and the legacy he has left with all of us.
May God provide comfort at this time to his wife and sons.
Daniel Lemire
April 8, 2021
My sincere and deep love for the family of my colleague, friend, and mentor.
I had the blessing of working with Mark in various ways over the last few years. I'm especially grateful that Mark on several occasions took the extra time to work with me and mentor me on many things.
He was exceedingly patient, sincere, and quite genuine in how he approached both our personal conversation and professional collaboration. For me, I've never met anyone with the level of commitment and forthright integrity. I am blessed to have known and worked with him.
Suzanne Hooks
April 8, 2021
I have had the privilege of working with Mark at PepsiCo for the past 4 years. He was such a genuine, nice man, always ready with a smile. I admired his upbeat personality, honesty, and work ethic. He will be missed by many.
Words can’t adequately express how my heart aches for your family at Mark’s sudden passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deborah Toney
April 8, 2021
To the Kniseley family,
I send my deepest sympathies for the loss of your father and husband. Mark was such a great colleague, mentor and friend. I feel very blessed to have worked with him over the last 10+ years. He would often stop by my office at the end of the day to catch up on business issues, but the conversation always turned to what was going on in his world outside the office. He bragged about all of you all the time, and it was wonderful to listen to all of his stories. He loved you very much. I am heartbroken that we have lost such a magnificent person. I hope that warm memories of all of the special times you had together will bring you some comfort during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Edward JENNINGS
April 8, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the Kniseley family. We love you so much.
Mark, you were a heroe growing a beautiful family. Rest in peace we keeping you in our memories.
Sicerely.
Ed Jennings and family.
Nate Earnest
April 8, 2021
My deepest condolences to Mark's family. I consider Mark a friend before a colleague as he was also so incredibly generous in helping me and my family as I joined the PepsiCo organization.
I will miss interacting with Marc and his approach of constant problem solving in the spirit of always putting PepsiCo first.
We will keep the Kniseley family in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Nate Earnest
Neetu Rainwater
April 8, 2021
I worked with Mark for 5+ years and the one word that best describes him to me is DEDICATED. He never did anything half way, he always gave 100% to everything he did. Mark was dedicated to his work always working to delivery the very best he could. Mark was fiercely dedicated to his family. He always spoke with such love, care and adoration for his wife and his two boys who were without a doubt who he lived for. Mark was one of the good ones and it breaks my heart that he is no longer with us. All my love and prayers for comfort go out to Mark's family during this time.
Claudia Ventura
April 8, 2021
Monica, Matthew, Michael and loved ones,
Words fail to express my deep sorrow for your loss.
I have known Mark and family for 21 years, after this long time, I considered him family, more than anything. This unexpected incident has brought profound sadness to my family and many people that worked closed to him.
Mark was very demanding, but his determination brought out the best of us, at the same time very understanding, flexible, respectful, positive influencer, leader, person of principles, etc. If I could describe him with a few words, it would be “Great Human Being”.
I can only feel grateful and honored to have worked under his leadership, all the support and guidance all these years will be forever be appreciated and never forgotten.
Mark, we miss you already!! This is not a goodbye, but a see you later!!
Warm hugs to family and friends
Predrag Trutin
April 8, 2021
My deepest condolences to Mark's family.
I have met Mark only six month ago, but from the start I could tell he is a good and righteous man. He always treated his team as they were part of his family. We will miss him dearly, and he will always stay in our thoughts.
Chuck and Mary Baker
April 8, 2021
Rest in peace Mark. It was my profound pleasure to know you and share our common thoughts and interests. Bless your Family during this hard time of farewell. Soar with God my Friend.
Chuck Baker
Yunue Brito
April 8, 2021
My sincere condolences to Monica, Michael and Matt, my heart is broken with your loss.
I had the privilege to work under Mark's leadership over the last 3 years, He always had an smile and an advice, he was a great mentor and leader.
I learned so much from his life experience, he had a positive impact in mine, I will miss him terribly.
My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Yunue B
Diana D'Ignazio
April 8, 2021
Dear Monica, Matthew and Michael,
My most sincere sympathies for the loss of your husband and dad. I met Mark many years ago at Pepsi. He was such a great colleague and I feel so very blessed to have worked alongside him for many years. His mentorship, support and sense of humor will be deeply missed by myself and many of his PepsiCo friends.
May the wonderful life memories you shared together help you during these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Diana D'Ignazio
Navin Rana
April 8, 2021
To the Kniseley family, I extend deepest condolences for your loss.
I knew Mark for a relatively short time (3 years that we worked together at PepsiCo), but he made an immediate and positive impact on myself and all those he worked with. He always carried a smile on his face, was a great mentor and someone who people genuinely wanted to work with.
I will truly miss working with him and cannot imagine the pain of this loss to your family. Please know that the thoughts and prayers of hundreds of PepsiCo teammates and our families are with you during this difficult time. May we always be grateful for the happy memories he left us with.
Best wishes,
Navin Rana and the Rana family
Christie Shinpaugh
April 7, 2021
It has been an honor and a privilege to have worked with Mark over the past 16 years. Our very first meeting I could tell how truly special Mark was. Mark had a brilliant mind. I will always cherish his willingness to share his ideas and vision with a touch of “Mark” humor followed by a smile. He was enthusiastic, creative, and a strategic thinker. I will miss him dearly and want to extend my sympathies to the family.
Hendersohn Sudler
April 7, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Mark for the last few years. I truly admired his passion for the business and his leadership. I will always remember him "walking the halls" with his notebook to handle business, hold impromptu meetings, and resolve issues fast. Mark will be missed.
Andrea Bucek
April 2, 2021
My deepest condolences to Monica, Matthew, Michael and the rest of Mark’s family. Mark’s PepsiCo family is devastated by this loss but comforted by the many wonderful memories so I pray you all are as well.
I’ve known Mark for many years but had the pleasure to get to know him better over the past few. Mark and I sat across from one another pre-Covid so every morning when I arrived I would joke with him, asking if he had slept at his desk since he was typically still there as I was packing up to end my day. He and I were both early birds and also usually part of the last group in the office so this led to a lot of banter and opportunity for story telling between all of us.
Mark could definitely tell a good story. I know that every morning, rain or shine, he walked his dogs and always had a story about something silly they had done. I have a few fur babies myself and I credit Mark with pushing me to walk them more. I know they would thank him for that if they could and I would as well.
Mark was a great leader, mentor, coworker and also friend. He will be greatly missed.
Edsel Garciamendez-Budar
April 1, 2021
Our deepest condolences to Mark's family. May the great memories we all hold of him last as the legacy of his positive influence and contributions to our lives. Best regards,
Ned Searles
April 1, 2021
Mark and I have known each other for 14+ years. Throughout that time I have appreciated Mark's knowledge, drive, and focus on people development. This past year, I reported to Mark and saw just how much he cared about the team and driving results for the company. During the power outages earlier this year, Mark and I were on the same grid, so our power would turn on and off at the same time. We knew when we could log in and use Zoom. Mark sent the picture below to show me how he was working when the power was off. Love seeing the dogs with him too. He is a great friend and I miss him dearly. Truly a gift to Pepsico and all of us who consider Mark a friend.
John McHale
April 1, 2021
My condolences to Monica, Matthew, Michael and everyone else who feels this loss. I had the pleasure of working with Mark for many years with Pepsi. One of Mark's biggest strengths was his ability to see through all the office bluster and the politics to boil the workplace drama down to the facts. Usually punctuated by his larger than life laugh, which echoes in my head as I write this. As so many others have said, Mark was a mentor, friend and leader who always strived to not do the easy thing but the right thing. He treated those around him, especially those who worked for him, as family and you could often feel that people were working their hardest not for the company but for his acknowledgement. Something many leaders strive for but few ever achieve. You will be missed, my friend, but we all carry our experiences with you with us forever.
Laura Miller
March 31, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to the Kniseley family during this unimaginable time.
Mark was an amazing mentor and friend who is missed terribly. I will always be grateful for having the privilege of working with him for the last 21 years.
Every day Mark challenged his team to be better while also making us laugh along the way. He was an inspiring leader who has left an incredible legacy at PepsiCo.
I will always remember the light in his eyes when he talked about Monica, Matthew, Michael and his beloved dogs. May he rest in peace.
Jason DiMase
March 31, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Marks passing. I looked up to Mark as a mentor while working at Pepsi. No matter what was troubling me he was always willing to chat to help me out. God bless Mark, his family and his fur babies.
Dionne Fuller
March 31, 2021
My deepest condolences to Monica, Matthew, & Michael. I worked with Mark for over a decade and he was more than a co-worker, he was a dear friend. I am saddened by the loss, but cherish all the good memories and laughs with Mark.
Mark always had a pragmatic approach to work and life, and would always remind me that, we can only do the best that we can, for as long as we can!
Mark was a true leader who inspired those around him to strive for the best! He will be dearly missed.
May he rest in eternal peace!
Liz Nicol
March 30, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to Mark's entire family as well as his PepsiCo family. Mark was a true pleasure to work with and had endless patience with my never ending questions about software. He taught me so much and always made time to "coach" me. I do not know how he stored such an amazing amount of information. I will be forever grateful having had the opportunity to have known Mark and worked with him.
My prayers are with your family during this time of great sorrow.
Liz Nicol
Sanchez and Stevens Families
March 30, 2021
Dear Monica, Matthew, Michael, Richard, and Family:
There are not enough words to express how sad we are for this difficult time. We have been good friends with Mark and his beautiful family for over 20 years. We consider them as our family. Mark was a very special person to us. He will always be in our hearts. We are going to miss him a lot. Mark left an everlasting impression on all of us who had the honor and blessing to know him. We know that Mark is an angel from God and he is now in God's kingdom in heaven. May God always bless Monica, Matthew, Michael, Richard, and their entire family.
Lots of Love,
The Sanchez and Stevens Families
Valeria Loya
March 30, 2021
I will always be grateful for Mark, an amazing, intelligent, funny person... after the tears dried and the goodbyes have been said, all we have to hold into are the happy memories that we've shared with our loved ones who have passed, this is what keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and they will continue to live on, through us. My condolences.
Medric Bradley
March 30, 2021
Mark's passing was devastating as we worked closely for over a decade. My heart aches for his family as I know they were his pride and joy. Mark was a driven, passionate and dedicated PepsiCo teammate and the void he leaves is massive.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Daniel Koshy
March 30, 2021
I had the privilege to work with Mark for the last few years. He was a great leader, eager to listen and provide his valuable insights into many a complex problem at work. One thing I will remember always is how well articulated he was and was always there to support the various project teams no matter what predicament we were in. Will miss you Mark, keeping your family in our prayers.
Debra Logan-Rabb
March 30, 2021
Dear Family Members - I am writing to share my sympathy for your loss. I was a co-worker of Mark's and enjoyed working with him. Though I did not know him long, Mark made such a lasting impression. I remember him as being thoughtful, collaborative, smart and so kind. Mark's loss is felt by so many. I pray that your wonderful memories help ease the pain.
"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow" Author Unknown
In Sympathy - Debra Logan-Rabb, Stamford, CT
Matt Murphy
March 30, 2021
My condolences and deepest sympathies to Monica, Michael and Matthew. Mark was a Great Man!
Mark and I worked together on various projects and activities since 2006. In each of the projects and work activities he brought his passion to doing what was right with passion, integrity and where needed, some humor.
I will miss his booming voice in the office, in the hallways and on conference calls. Most importantly, I will miss his friendship, humor and infectious laugh.
You will be missed…
Mohan Komanduri
March 30, 2021
Mark was an absolutely wonderful friend and colleague. He was always a source of optimism, calm and entertaining dry humor. I am so thankful for having been blessed to work with and get to know him over the past 3 years. He was so easy to talk to and always made you better for having interacted with him. And he was really good at what he did – especially in complex, difficult situations. He had a unique ability to make us feel confident that we could solve whatever problem was out there.
We miss you, Mark. My deepest sympathies to Monica, Matthew and Michael.
Michael Easton
March 30, 2021
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the entire Kniseley family. I worked with Mark and his team for almost a year, I came to know him as someone who was knowledgeable but also very easy to work with. Our Calero team sends thoughts and prayers to all friends and family, Mark will be missed.
JIM Dolan
March 29, 2021
My condolences go out to Monica, Michael and Matthew. Mark and I started working together in 2009 while merging our two Asset Mgmt teams. I immediately knew 3 things about Mark, his wealth of IT knowledge, his extreme passion to do what is best for PepsiCo, and his love for his incredible family, Monica and the boys. I went to Mark for guidance every week for almost 10 years. He had many stories and jokes to share always with his booming voice. He will be missed in so many ways.
Mark Smith
March 29, 2021
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Kniseley family. I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Mark for several years in the Asset Management area at PepsiCo. I will always remember Mark's dedication to the business and his wealth of knowledge and experience he brought to the team. Mark's sense of humor always made me laugh and you were sure to hear his boisterous voice whenever he was nearby. Mark was also very dedicated to his family and would often share stories about Monica, Matthew, and Michael. They were the light of his life. Mark will be missed.
Murat Sevil
March 29, 2021
I had the privilege of working closely with Mark for the past 4 years. In this seemingly short period of time, I have seen him touch so many lives in such positive ways, in and out the office. When you asked him how he was doing, if at work, he would talk about his team, and outside it was all about his family. He was a truly selfless person, a passionate leader, and an exemplary family man, who simply had a natural compass that always showed the true north. He was my go to guide whenever I needed a sounding board for any decision. I am sure I am not the only one who feel like they just lost a dear friend, who they could trust with their lives.
I will miss you Mark...
Subhasis PANDA
March 29, 2021
My sincere condolences to the Kniseley's family and friends.I worked with Mark since last 3 year's .
He is a great leader who always provide his valuable experience suggestions to others as well as care for others. I really felt like I have lost another family member's of mine as few months back I have lost my Father . I will never forget his kindness. May God give him eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain.
Chris Roberts
March 29, 2021
My sincerest condolences to Mark's family and friends. Mark was a really really cool dude. I really liked him the second I met him. I worked with Mark for 15 years and he was always such a nice guy....easy to talk to, serious about his business but lighthearted. I'll really miss him.
My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Ralph Goedderz
March 29, 2021
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Kniseley family. I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Mark over the last 3 years. I never left a meeting with him without sharing a laugh or being infected by his passion for the business. His kindness allowed me to ask questions that he had probably answered a thousand times over his years with PepsiCo. His passion for what he did showed every day and made it easy to tackle even the most difficult business challenges together. Mark left a wonderful legacy and will be fondly remembered by those who had the opportunity to work with him.
Cristina and Karim Kargozar
March 29, 2021
Our deepest sympathy, condolences, and prayers to all the Mike Kniseley family and friends. We are extremely sad and sorry to hear this saddest news and we share the pain that the family is going through for the loss of such a great man. He was a great husband, father, and a great friend of ours. We miss him dearly. He has left this place, but will never be forgotten from our memories.
The Kargozar family
Claudia De La Torre
March 29, 2021
My condolences to the Kniseley family and friends. I know that Mark will leave a big void in our hearts. I will always remember him like a great human being, mentor and leader with a great sense of humor and a smile on his face.
My prayers for him and his beloved ones. He will make many souls happy in Heaven.
Rest in peace and be in the glory of God.
James Lambert
March 29, 2021
Mark and i worked together on and off for nearly 2 decades. In that time we became not just colleagues but friends. We spent lots of time solving the world’s problems during the early hours at the office.
He will be remembered as passionate and smart - someone who you went to when you needed the real scoop. He was also someone who cared about doing things the right way and not just “close enough “.
His family will continue to be in my prayers
Johanna Otero
March 29, 2021
I had the pleasure to work with Mark the past few months. I was new to PepsiCo and he welcomed me with open arms. He was a man of integrity and extremely humble. I am deeply saddened about Marks’ passing. My sincere condolences to his wife, kids and rest of the family. He will be missed.
Sheila Greenstein
March 29, 2021
I was deeply saddened when I learned of Mark's passing. He was one of the first people that I met when I began working at PepsiCo. He was a very welcoming person with a smile on his face all of the time. He will be sorely missed. May the memory of Mark be a blessing to all who have had the honor of having Mark in their lives. My condolences to the Kniseley family.
David Postian
March 29, 2021
I would like to express my deepest condolences to Mark's family & loved ones... I knew Mark for 33 years, since we started working on the first HHC project for Pepsi. He was always great to work with and always willing to step in and help. No matter what the task was, he always said "Let's just get it done!" We did some great things and had fun along the way, I will never forget... Rest in peace my friend...
Josh Katz
March 29, 2021
I'd worked with Mark for the past year or so and knew him slightly before that. When I started reporting to him he was very welcoming, engaging and kind. I was shocked and saddened by the news of his passing. My condolences to his family and friends.
Stacey Weston
March 29, 2021
I am deeply sadden to hear of the loss of my co-worker, Mark. He was a great leader and I had the privilege to work with him for several years. Mark loved what he did and it showed. I will miss working with him and all the times we would run into each other around Frisco.
My heart goes out to his family. Please accept our warmest condolences, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Our work family will not be the same. I hope we can find comfort together during this difficult time.
Richard Walsh
March 29, 2021
Monica, Michael and Matt, I am heartbroken with the news of your loss. I worked with Mark for the last 9 years and he was my manager for the last 3 years. Mark was a man of honor, always there to list and advise. He brought a sense of fun to every conversation. I learned so much from his vast life experience and I will miss him terribly. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. As we say in Ireland - Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. (May his faithful soul be at the right hand of God) - Richard Walsh
Melanie Scott
March 29, 2021
It was a pleasure working under Mark's leadership at Pepsico. I will always remember his joyous laugh, his cool walk and the story's he shared with me about different vacations. My sympathy goes to his wife, son's, colleagues and extended family during this time. This lost is deep and we all feel the sorrow. When you are feeling down just know that we are all lifting you up and asking that peace will surround you. One thing is for sure he will be missed. Mark will always be around as you reminisce on the memories and see him through his offspring's. Prayerfully yours, Melanie
Alex Harris
March 29, 2021
I’ve worked under Mark a few times over the past fifteen years. He was a great leader each time. His understanding for what was needed and the passion to get it done right was never lost. There are few that had his depth and breadth of knowledge and know how. Personally, Mark has been there for me during several difficult times in my life and it will always be remembered. I could always come to him full of emotion and he would always help me put things in perspective. Mark was a great boss, co-worker, and person!
Cheryl Townsend
March 29, 2021
Mark was always a cherished member of the Pepsi family. He patiently taught me the systems I was supporting and always reminded me to champion our frontline. He was an amazing man and a wonderful friend to so many. My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to his family.
Timothy Martin
March 29, 2021
I worked with Mark for many years at Pepsi, both when he was living in Florida and in other places. I always felt Mark was a true gentleman and willingly did whatever was necessary to complete a job and help out his business partners. I remember him loading up the van in Florida to begin going location to location to rollout some piece of equipment or solution and sending us updates on what part of the state he was in. Many times when he was in Somers I would get an early morning visit just to say hello and catch up. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a really good person.
Jennifer Conklin
March 28, 2021
I had the chance to work under Mark's leadership over the last few years. He was a man of honor and integrity. Mark was extremely dedicated to PepsiCo, his team, and his family. His passion for improvement will remain unmatched, he always strived to exceed. His absence will leave a big hole in our work family, but he will never be forgotten.
To the Kniseley family, please accept our most heartfelt sympathies. His face lit up with pure joy when he would speak about you all. ♥️
Debra Moore
March 28, 2021
No words can give measure to a loss of a loved one. My heart goes out to Mark’s family in their time of grief.
Muireann Carbery
March 28, 2021
My sincere condolences to Marks family. I worked with Mark for a number of years and he was always such a gentleman and full of passion to do the right thing. So sad to hear of his sudden passing. Muireann, Cork, Ireland