Mark Anthony Mailander

Mark A. Mailander, 73, of Spalding, NE passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, surrounded by his wife and four kids at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 8, 2025, at St. Michael's Church in Spalding, NE with Fr. Lawrence Vadakkan officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, Spalding, NE. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday at the church with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Levander Funeral Home of Spalding, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Mark Anthony Mailander, son of Eugene and Angela (Pfeifer) Mailander, was born March 4, 1952, in Spalding, NE. He attended Spalding Academy, graduating with the Class of 1970, and went on to study engineering at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, earning his degree in 1974.

On July 10, 1971, Mark was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Carraher, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding. Their marriage was blessed with four children, who remained the pride and joy of Mark's life.

In June of 1974, Mark joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working first in Omaha and later in Colorado Springs. In 1977, his career took him overseas, where he lived and worked in Germany and Saudi Arabia until 1983. Following their time abroad, the family returned to Omaha before settling in Rapid City, in 1985. There, Mark dedicated 29 years to the Black Hills Area Office, retiring in June of 2014. After retirement, he and Mary returned home to Spalding, where Mark embraced full-time ranching. Work that brought him both peace and purpose.

A faithful member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mark lived his life grounded in faith and family. He enjoyed sports, playing cards, and seeking out new and adventurous foods. Above all, Mark cherished the moments spent watching his children and grandchildren play sports, gathering around the table for pinochle, and tending to his cattle. Simple joys that filled his days and his heart.

Mark is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Mailander, of Spalding, NE; three sons: Luke (Angie) Mailander of Sioux Falls, SD; Adam (Gina) Mailander of Lincoln, NE; Jake (Michele) Mailander of Longmont, CO; one daughter: Sarah (Nick) Peterson of Hermantown, MN; eight grandchildren: Aiden, Millie, and Madyson Mailander of Sioux Falls, SD; Skylar and Emerson Mailander of Lincoln, NE; Lincoln Mailander of Longmont, CO; and Beau and Boone Peterson of Hermantown, MN. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Fletcher of Grove, OK; his sister-in-law, Mary Lee Mailander; and many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Ava Peterson; and his brother, Terry Mailander.