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Mark H. Meyer M.D. passed away August 27, 2025.

Memorial services will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Kearney with Reverend Charles Peek officiating.

Dr. Mark H. Meyer was born on February 21, 1948, in Fremont, Nebraska, to Lawrence and Anona (Grosc) Meyer.

He graduated from Uhling High School and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Midland Lutheran College. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Gorgas Hospital in the Panama Canal Zone.

A respected and devoted physician, Dr. Meyer owned and operated the Kearney Bone and Joint Clinic for over 40 years. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Meyer provided orthopedic care and sports medicine to the Kearney area, numerous medical clinics across Nebraska and South Dakota, and internationally with medical missions to Africa. He was known for his exceptional surgical skill, compassionate care, and dedication to expanding access to high-quality medical care in rural communities. He touched countless lives, both locally and abroad, through his patient care and generous spirit.

On February 28, 1981, he married Claudia Jayne Hennek. Together, they raised a family and built a life grounded in love, adventure, and community. Mark was a devoted husband, father, grandfather ("Babu"), brother, and friend.

His warmth, humor, and unwavering kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Whether caring for patients, piloting a plane, singing in a choir, or working on the farm, Mark never slowed down. Known for his quick wit, "Markisms," and friendly, approachable nature, he had a unique gift for putting others at ease.

Mark was a passionate farmer, a skilled pilot, and a true cowboy.

He enjoyed being the ringside physician at many boxing events in the Midwest.

Mark found happiness in spending time with family, running, watching and ushering at baseball games, tinkering with farm equipment, good hot-sauce, and talking on the phone with strangers.

He served as a board member at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, president of the Mid-Central States Orthopedic Society, and was a charter member of the Buffalo County Medical Society. He was also a member of the Nebraska Orthopedic Association, Mid-America Orthopedic Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

He is survived by his children: Erich (Stacy) Meyer of Arlington, NE; Alex (Jennifer) Meyer of Omaha, NE; Julie (John) Brestin of North Bend, WA; and Lindsay (Neal) Bonacci of Elkhorn, NE. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Emily (Amrinder) Brestin-Singh, Jessamyn (Timothy) Ly, Simeon Brestin, Analise (Cole) Glossinger, Teaghan and Octavia Brestin, Elisibeth and Allysyn Meyer, Oliver, Elliott, and Alexander Meyer, Lillian and Vivian Kroll, and Lane, Caroline, and Hanna Bonacci; as well as his great-granddaughters, Jovie Brestin and Rosalie Glossinger.

He is also survived by his siblings: David (Dora) Meyer, Philip (Jane) Meyer, Paul (Sue) Meyer, and Sarah (Mike) Gillette; mother-in-law Darlene Hennek Trautman; brothers-in-law Rod (Lynne) Hennek, Tom Hennek, Randy Strohmyer; sisters-in-law Patty (Mike) Mandelko and Mary (Scott) Hofferber; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Dr. Meyer was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Anona Meyer; father-in-law, Gene Hennek; stepfather-in-law, Dwight Trautman; and sister-in-law, Kris Strohmyer.

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KEARNEY, Neb. - Two Kearney men are dead after a Wednesday night plane crash not far from the Kearney airport.

The Buffalo County Sheriff's office said Dr. Mark Meyer, 77, and Kent Magnuson, 72, were killed when their white Cessna crashed into a field north of the Kearney airport.

The plane was reported missing when it failed to land as scheduled Wednesday night.

A joint search effort began Wednesday night and into early Thursday morning until it was suspended because of fog. The search resumed later Thursday morning and the plane was found shortly after 10 a.m. in a field near the intersection of 145th and Imperial roads, about six miles northeast of Kearney. Meyer and Magnuson were found dead at the scene.

~~~from obituaries courtesy of the Washington County, Nebraska Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

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