Mark A. Rouse

Mark A. Rouse, 62, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away August 9, 2026, after a short but courageous battle with Glioblastoma. Mark was born October 20, 1963, in Lincoln, to Lawrence “Larry” and Charlene (Velder) Rouse of Greenwood, Nebraska. The Rouse family lived in Greenwood until Mark and his sister, Pam, were young children, when they moved to Lincoln. Mark graduated from Lincoln Southeast and later from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in business.

Mark devoted 30 years to Time Warner/Spectrum in Lincoln, serving as a sales manager until his retirement in December 2023. He was very active in the People's City Mission in Lincoln for 15 years serving on the Foundation Board and then on the Board of Directors as President. He was one of the founders of ABLE - Association of Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs. Mark and Joni had recently begun attending First Free Church, previously attending Eastridge Presbyterian Church for many years. Throughout his career and life in Lincoln, he built many relationships so much so that he could hardly go anywhere without seeing someone he knew. He always took time to stop and say hello. Even among strangers, Mark had a way of finding common ground, often leaving a gathering with at least one new friend.

On May 4, 1991, Mark married Joni Taylor in Lincoln. Together they raised their two children in Lincoln, building a home centered on togetherness. Family was utmost to Mark. He loved large holiday gatherings and reunions. He would make it a point to visit with every person. He encouraged others to mingle beyond their immediate family, reflecting the welcoming spirit that shaped how he lived. As a family, they took a vacation every year—many times to Colorado, where Mark would find somewhere off the beaten path for them to explore. Dillon played baseball, and Lexi was involved in dance, and Mark took pride in being present through each season of their growing-up years.

Mark was an avid outdoorsman, with a special passion for bowhunting whitetail deer on the family farm in Greenwood. He also enjoyed snow goose hunting, as well as hunting turkey, mule deer, and elk. He cherished the time spent in the woods and had a remarkable talent for hunting. He owned several Chocolate Labs for hunting, most recently Cash. He enjoyed classic cars, first owning a '68 Camaro and later owning a '67 Camaro (with way too much horsepower). In his spare time at home he enjoyed grilling and enjoying a beer with friends and family.

Some of Mark’s most cherished moments were those made on purpose: building forts with his children and later with the grandchildren, making Mickey Mouse pancakes, and coloring.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence “Larry” Rouse along with countless hunting dogs. He is survived by his bride of 35 years, Joni (Taylor) Rouse; his daughter, Lexi (Johnny) Landell; his son, Dillon (Molly) Rouse; grandchildren Charlotte and Jack Landell and Sam Rouse; his mother and step-father, Charlene & Richard Neal; sister Pam (John) Anderson; sisters- and brothers-in-law; many nieces, nephews, and countless family friends including his best friend and "brother" Gary Morris.

Visitation with family present will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512. A Celebration of Mark’s Life will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at First Free Church, 3280 S. 84th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to be given to People’s City Mission. Please see the link below.