Mark E. Voda

Mark Voda, age 72, died on October 8 after a short illness. He was the eldest born of Edward Voda and Rosemary (Krapfl) Voda. Mark grew up on a farm near Wauneta, Nebraska. He moved to Ogallala and McCook, then to Guadalajara, Mexico, with his parents, and finally back to Ogallala. He loved Ogallala! For years he insisted that he would be buried in Ogallala. "I live in Ogallala; I will be buried in Ogallala."

Rosemary often expressed concern about Mark's future, but she need not have worried. Thanks to the compassionate people of Nebraska, their Department of Health and Human Services made sure that handicapped persons like Mark received appropriate care. Programs through PAKS, especially at Pizza Hut, gave him the dignity of a job and contributing to society. And the good people of Ogallala looked out for him; they embraced him with kindness and compassion. We appreciate you!

Mark was red-blooded, Nebraska red, an avid Cornhusker. But because he shared a passion for sports with his Chicago-born Uncle Jerry, he became a Cubs and Bears fan. He even wore a Cubs jacket long after he had outgrown it. The decor of Mark's apartment was RED with a touch of Bronco blue and orange.

Mark was an Ogallala staple for most of his life, riding on his bike with a radio strapped to the front, which eventually transitioned to a scooter with an orange flag warning of his arrival. A lover of food, especially a good hamburger, he knew the best spots in the area. Before he finished eating, he'd be talking about his next meal, and he loved any excuse to get ice cream. When he drank beer, it was a Michelob. "Good beer," he'd toast.

Besides having a good head of hair, Mark had a good heart. He often teased Nancy, his caregiver and friend, that his heart was better than hers. Their shared cardiologist had confirmed it! Mark also had a good memory. He never forgot anyone's birthday and was relied upon by other family members for details from long ago. He remembered and spoke highly of all his adventures and travels, including family reunions and family Christmas celebrations where he loved playing charades.

When Mark was not watching "Gunsmoke" or a John Wayne movie, he would be out and about with Nancy, often sporting his pearl snaps. Mark was sometimes hard to understand because of his dysarthria, so people would often say yes to him if they didn't understand him. And he would remember and reference the previous conversation. It got Nancy in trouble often, so she learned to stop saying yes when she wasn't 100% sure what she was saying yes to. Nancy said that Mark was the happiest person she had ever met. Though he had more than his share of pain, he enjoyed life and was quick to laugh. When he got excited and laughed, he shook all over with pure joy. Special thanks to caregiver Pam for all of her support with County Fair projects, farm-related experiences, and enduring hours of frequent "Mark monologues."

To know Mark was to love Mark, but he was not always easy to be around. His verbal and physical handicaps required him to ask for help frequently, and he wasn't one to wait patiently. If his bike chain broke, it had to be fixed Now. If he needed a ride to town, they had to go Now. If the TV reception needed adjustment, it had to be done Now. ETC. ETC. It was easier for Rosemary or Ed to drop what they were doing and do what Mark wanted than to listen to his Now, Now. We hope St. Peter was at his post at 9:24 AM on October 8 because Mark was probably pounding on the gates yelling, "I want to get in Now!"

As frustrating as these Now events were at the time, they make for joyful memories.

This is not a sad occasion. Mark had a good life. He loved and was loved by many. And he loved to laugh, so share your stories about Mark, and make us all shake with laughter.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Edward Voda; his mother, Rosemary (Krapfl) Voda; his sister, Mary Ellen Voda; and his nephew, Craig.

He is survived by his siblings, Deb (Paul) Mellen of Dixon, Illinois, and Doug (Kathy) Voda of Sanford, Florida; his nieces and nephews, Holly, Joe, Heather, and Jocelyn; his special caretakers, Nancy and Pam; his special friend, Christina; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, with Father Suresh Bandha officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Ogallala Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Special Olympics in Mark's memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.