Mark Jay Carpenter, age 70, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on August 2, 2026. Born on May 29, 1956, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Mark was the son of John and Maxine (Jones) Carpenter. He graduated from Manhattan High School in Manhattan, Kansas, in 1974 and later attended Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska. He began his career as a framing subcontractor with Huber Construction before starting his own business, Carpenter Construction, where he built not only homes but also a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and integrity.
On November 10, 1978, Mark married Cherri Wassung. Together they raised two daughters, Melanie and Lindsey. Although their marriage ended in divorce in 2002, they remained connected through the family they created together.
In September 2013, Mark found love again with Lorie Chrastil. They became engaged later and built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless special memories. Mark was happiest when he was active. A master carpenter and true perfectionist, he took immense pride in his work. Even while battling cancer, he completed his final carpentry job on July 24, a reflection of the determination and work ethic that defined his life.
Softball was one of Mark’s greatest passions. For nearly 50 years, he played on countless teams, including a co-ed senior team in La Vista and a traveling senior team, forming lifelong friendships along the way. Even as he battled cancer, his love for the game never wavered. He took the field for his final game on July 21. He also worked part-time at UPS, enjoyed playing pickleball, watching sports and movies, and could often be found putzing around in the garage. Mark simply wasn’t one to sit still.
Above all else, Mark loved his family. He cherished time with those he loved, especially his grandchildren, and will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, unwavering work ethic, quiet strength, and wonderful sense of humor. Even in the face of cancer, he chose to keep living life on his terms, making the most of every day he was given.
Mark is lovingly remembered by his fiancée, Lorie Chrastil; his daughters, Melanie and Adam Johnson of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Lindsey and Denver Hoskins of Lincoln, Nebraska; bonus sons, Dave and Stacy Everson of Omaha, Nebraska, Rob Everson of Waverly, Nebraska, Brandon and Jessica Chrastil of Charleston, South Carolina, and Nathan and Sam Chrastil of Ladera Ranch, California; grandchildren, Amelia and Fletcher Johnson, Attia and Jaxson Hoskins, Kaitlyn and Kobe Everson, Josie, Melanie, and Hunter Everson, Robbie and Randon Chrastil, and Hugo and Arthur Chrastil; his siblings, Roxanna and Richard Pickel of Lincoln, Nebraska, Tom and Mary Carpenter of Hillsboro, Missouri, and Jill Carpenter of Lincoln, Nebraska; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Maxine Carpenter; his nephews, Rodney and Rick Pickel; his former in-laws, Kent and Norma Wassung; and the mother of his fiancee, Alberda (Birdie) Krcmarik.
Visitation will be held at Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West O Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68528, on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Southview Christian Church, 2040 S 22nd Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68502, on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. In honor of Mark’s lifelong love of softball and sports, family and friends are welcome to wear a softball jersey, team shirt, or other sports apparel if they wish. A cookie and coffee reception will be held immediately following the service. Family and friends are invited to stay, visit, and share memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the HealthWell Foundation or CancerCare. Through grants from these organizations, Mark was able to receive life-extending cancer treatments at little to no cost. Their generosity gave him precious time—time he filled with family, friends, softball, work, and making memories. Honoring Mark through a memorial gift is a meaningful way to celebrate his life while helping other families receive the same compassionate support and care.
The Tuesday Morning Senior Softball League grieves with Lorie, Lindsey, and Melanie and the entire Carpenter family. We were all so blessed to share a ballfield with Mark over the years and most recently, part of Mark’s last game in late July. Our prayers for a healing heart that is lifted by the wonderful memories he provided to all his family and friends.
I am saddened by the loss of my classmate and friend.
We were part of the 1976 class at SCC-Milford Building Construction Technology. We were quite a group and enjoyed a lot of fun times together and developed a lasting friendship.
Even though I have last touch with some, I still think of them and Mark fondly.
We will miss you my friend. Prayers for the family as they grieve this loss.
We lost a great neighbor and friend a few days ago. Mark was a talented craftsman who shared that talent in every project he took on. He and Lorie have been the best neighbors, and Mark will be terribly missed!
We are saddened to hear about our friend Mark. He has been a neighbor to my family fur many many years. Such a nice guy! Prayers to Lorie and her family. This is a difficult time! We will miss him for sure! He was also a great carpenter and helped my parents out. Condolences to all.
Mark and I developed a friendship when his daughters began taking gymnastics at Capitol City Gymnastics where my daughters were also taking gymnastics(this was early in the 80’s)
From there, we shared stories, laughs, and went skiing together in Colorado! Eventually, Mark invited me to play on his softball team, where I played center field for several years! I loved his competitiveness, his fabulous sense of humor, and his caring nature! I lost touch with Mark for a few years, and then last fall, he and I hooked up again on the Pickleball courts where, along with his daughter, Mel, and another great friend, Duane West, we all enjoyed the game and the camaraderie! Thanks for touching my life, Mark; I will miss you!
Mark was a true friend and would help anyone who asked. I graduated from SCC in 1976 in building construction with Mark. We have stayed together since graduation and been together several times over the years. We had dinner with mark and Lorie about 5 weeks ago. Mark lived life to the fullest, playing ball just a few weeks ago. We are thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Know that we are here for everyone.
Love Larry and Steph
Dear Carpenter family. I enjoyed meeting some of you a few weeks ago at his last softball game. It was my pleasure getting to know him these past few years. I look forward to reconnecting with him in heaven! I am praying for God’s comfort for you during this time of loss.
Mark lived for softball and I was honered to be on a winning team with him when he started the Tuesday Morning League. He was so encouraging to all his teammates with a great knowledge of the game. Mark will be missed the softball community. Thinking of you and your family as you celebrate the life of your beloved.