Mark A. Kennally

October 30, 1952 – October 11, 2026

Mark Alan Kennally was born on October 30, 1952, in Hoisington, Kansas, to Edward A. and Eleanor A. (Underwood) Kennally. His mother, convinced she was having a girl, had not picked out a boy’s name. When Mark arrived, she opened the Gospels of the Holy Bible, which happened to open to the Book of Mark. And just like that, he had his name. Mark joined his older brother, Robert “Bobby” E. Kennally.Mark spent most of his childhood in Kansas before moving to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he completed his senior year at Abraham Lincoln High School, graduating in June 1971. Shortly after graduation, Mark enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Long Beach, California. It was there that he met his future wife, Nancy Holman. The two were married on February 22, 1973, in Lakewood, California, where they began their life together and started a family.In the fall of 1976, Mark moved his family from Lakewood, California, to Omaha, Nebraska, where they made their home. Throughout his career, Mark worked in purchasing, primarily at Nox-Crete Chemicals and William Harvey Company.Mark had many interests and hobbies throughout his life. He was involved in Royal Rangers, the Frontiersman Camping Fraternity, living history activities at Fort Atkinson, black powder rifle shooting, Taekwondo, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).In his later years, Mark’s greatest joys was cooking and playing Santa but of these two he most of all loved playing Santa Claus. He had a specially made Santa suit and beard but eventually grew out his own beard because, as far as he was concerned, Santa needed to have a “real” beard. He loved seeing the smiles on children’s faces as they sat on his lap and shared their Christmas wishes. Bringing that kind of happiness to others was something he truly enjoyed. Mark was incredibly proud of his service in the United States Navy, he ended his Naval career as a (YN2) Yeoman Second Class. One particularly meaningful experience was his recent trip to Washington, D.C., where he had the opportunity to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Mark entered into rest on Sunday, October 11, 2026. He was preceded in death by several family members, including his mother, Eleanor, and his brother, Bobby.He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Nancy Kennally; his daughter, Patricia “Tricia” Bourdess (Randy Bourdess); and his granddaughter, Sophia Bourdess (Meghan Bourdess).

Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at Braman Funeral Home, 6505 S. 144th Street, Omaha, Nebraska.

Visitation: Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends. 

Celebration of Life: Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a procession to Omaha National Cemetery, where a service will be held at 12:30 p.m. 

All attendees are welcome and encouraged to join the procession and accompany the family to the cemetery.To honor Mark’s love for his favorite football team, the Raiders, the family invites everyone to wear Raiders gear to both the visitation and funeral services. Attendees are also invited to bring a Raiders magnet to place on the outside of his casket or a challenge coin to place inside. These personal tributes are a special way to celebrate Mark and the things he loved.