John Stephen Marks

John Stephen Marks of Nebraska City, Nebraska passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024. He was 83 years old.

John was born June 2, 1940 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Harold and Grace Marks.  He and his siblings, older brother Bob and twin sister Jane, grew up in Lincoln and attended Lincoln High School.

After graduation, John met the love of his life, Karen “Kay” Stahlhut of Nebraska City.  John and Kay married in 1962 and raised a loving, close-knit family that included daughter Mindy and sons David and Bill. John and Kay were a tremendous team and worked hard – John primarily at Roberts Dairy and Kay as a teacher and administrator for Lincoln Public Schools – to ensure their family could live happy, fulfilling lives.

When away from work, John’s playful side would come out. He loved taking his family on road trip vacations to see the beauty of America’s state and national parks. He also greatly enjoyed riding dirt bike motorcycles at the farm of his in-laws Ralph and Mildred Stahlhut, and competed in motorcycle enduro races.  John’s other interests included camping, classic cars, jigsaw puzzles, participating in his family’s fantasy baseball league and cheering on the hometown Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Throughout his life, his greatest passion was his wife and family, and he always prioritized their health and happiness. Whereas some men strive to attain great wealth, fame or status, to John, raising and being surrounded a loving, caring family was what really mattered.

John was preceded in death by his parents Robert Harold Marks and Grace Pegler Marks; his father- and mother-in-law Ralph Stahlhut and Mildred Nelson Stahlhut; his brother Bob Marks and his grandson Cullen Bowman.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Karen Stahlhut Marks; his children Mindy Marks Bowman, David Marks (and wife Windy) and Bill Marks (and wife Tanya); his sister Jane Cannaday (and husband Roy); his sister-in-law Gena Speckmann Marks; grandchildren Jessica and Brianna Bowman, Cade, Bailey and Casey Marks, and Eric Higgins; as well as several much-loved nieces and nephews.

John was beloved for his kindness, his quick wit and his unwavering integrity. He was a great man and an exceptional role model whose behind-the-scenes strength allowed his family to flourish and soar. He leaves behind a legacy of love and will be dearly missed by the many who adored him.

Memorials may be directed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or Morton James Public Library.

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