Mark Elliot Sheets, age 58, of Alliance, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at his home with his beloved family by his side on April 11, 2025.
Born on April 19, 1966, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Mark was the cherished son of Robert (Bob) Sheets and Judith (Judie) Fistler, and the proud stepson of James (Jim) Fistler.
Mark graduated from Alliance High School in 1985 and went on to earn his degree from Chadron State College in 1991. Mark served as a police officer in Crawford, Nebraska from 1992-1994. In 1994, he began a new chapter with the railroad, starting as Conductor and eventually working his way up to Engineer – a position he held with great pride until his retirement in 2024.
Mark married the love of his life, Shonda, on August 24, 1991. Together they built a beautiful life and completed their family on January 8, 2007 with the birth of their daughter, Kayla.
An outdoorsmen at heart, Mark found peace and happiness surrounded by nature. He loved fishing, camping in his camper, four-wheeling through their property in the Black Hills, and spending time with his family and each of his dogs from dachshunds to labs. He had a passion for history and genealogy. Mark could spot a good buffet from a mile away and never passed up the opportunity to socialize over a cold jug of iced tea. Socializing was one of his strong suits and he always had time for one more story.
Mark’s memory will live on through his wife, Shonda, and their daughter, Kayla. He is also survived by his sister Jennifer (James) Monroe, nieces Madison and Mya Monroe, nephew Mason Monroe, mother-in-law, Tonchita (Toni) Ring, Aunt Jean (Sid) Thurston, and Uncle Mick (Kelly) Von Tour. Mark has now been reunited with his father Bob, mother Judie, stepfather Jim, father-in-law Merlin Ring, grandparents William Sheets and Nancy (Ragland) Sheets, grandparents Dr. E. ‘Doc’ Von Tour and Virginia (Thieme) Von Tour.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. MST at the Eagles Club in Alliance, Nebraska. The family would like to kindly invite anyone who knew Mark to join in honoring his memory by sharing a fun story or memory of him during this time – just in the way Mark would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in care of the family to 1822 Niobrara Ave., Alliance, Nebraska 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.