Mark R. Killenbeck

Mark R. Killenbeck, 76, passed away on March 30, 2025, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, after a good visit with his daughter Jessica, and his wife, Ann, by his side.
Mark was born to the late Harry A. and Delores "Dee" (Roach) Killenbeck on September 29, 1948, in Rochester, New York. He graduated from Aquinas High School, Rochester, New York, and Boston College, Boston Massachusetts. He took a job at the University of Kansas Medical Center analyzing federal statutes, regulations, and Supreme Court cases. This intensified an interest in the courts, so thereafter he pursued a dual Ph.D. and J.D. degree at the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1987. While at the University of Nebraska, Mark held a number of positions, ultimately serving as the Executive Assistant to the President. It is here that he forged deep and lasting friendships with Hans and Margaret Brisch, Dick Wood, Harvey Perlman, and Don Leuenberger, among many others. He treasured the years he spent working for President Ron Roskens.
Mark was a scholar at heart, so he was delighted to accept a position teaching at the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1988 where, for thirty-five years, he taught Constitutional Law, First Amendment, American Legal History, and a seminar on the United States Supreme Court. He also taught several seminars in The Honors College, after which he received the Distinguished Research and Teaching Faculty Award in 2022. His scholarship was wide-ranging, often shaped by a historical perspective. Thus, Mark was excited to be invited by the United States Supreme Court Historical Society to give three talks at the Court. He was hosted on those occasions by Associate Justices Sotomayor and Breyer. Finally, Mark became the Law School's first elected member of the American Law Institute, receiving his life membership in 2019.
Mark's most important role, however, was that of dad to daughter, Jessica Ann Marie, born in November 1999, and husband to Ann. Mark was a horse dad par excellence, making sure Jessica got to lessons and shows with tack, clothing, and treats in hand. His work at shows was significant, where he handled registration and tracked points per class for Jessica and many of her peers in the barn. We are thankful they had a wonderful two weeks not too long ago at Lamplight in Chicago, with Jessica's beloved horse, S & L Pawling.
Mark was also a voracious reader, consuming two to three novels per week on top of family and work demands. Mark was a font of knowledge on a wide range of topics from law to literature, to history, to home repairs. He made sure to equip Jessica with her own fully stocked tool kit when Jessica moved out of the house. Mark showed his unwavering love and support to Ann and Jessica in countless big and small ways. We will forever love and treasure him.
Mark is survived by his wife, Ann, his daughter, Jessica of Ann Arbor, Michigan, brothers Alan (Deborah) Killenbeck of Williamson, New York, Keith Killenbeck (Paula M. Stadtmiller) of Rochester, New York, Scott (Darlene) Killenbeck of Albion, New York, and brother-in-law, Jeff Mallatt of Arlington, Massachusetts. Survivors also include several nieces, nephews, and grandnieces.
He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and "Dee" Killenbeck, of Rochester, New York, his sister Karen Killenbeck, of Rochester, New York, and his parents-in-law Patrick and Joan Mallatt, longtime residents of Lincoln, but originally of Laurel, Nebraska.
A celebration of life will take place at the University of Arkansas School of Law at 4 p.m. on May 15, 2025.