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Mark Ronald Custer, 57, passed away Saturday evening, Jan. 2, 2021, at his home in Alliance, Nebraska, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
He was born on Oct. 7, 1963, in Wheatland, Wyoming, to Paul and Helen (Moller) Custer.
Following graduation from Powell High School, Mark completed two years of college at Northwest College in Powell. He then transferred to the University of Wyoming, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He would later complete his master’s degree in education at Chadron State College.
Mark began his teaching career with the Alliance Public Schools as a science instructor in the fall of 1988, at Alliance Middle School. He would later transition to the Alliance High School and complete his teaching career retiring this past spring. After 31 years of teaching Mark remained dedicated to helping his students achieve success.
Mark enjoyed anything outdoors; he was an avid fisherman, hunter and camping enthusiast. Mark loved his motorcycles and enjoyed attending the Sturgis Motorcycle rallies. Mark loved good hunting dogs, his favorite being Gunnar. One of Mark’s greatest joys came later in life when he welcomed his first grandson, Will.
Mark was united in marriage to Susan K. (Chubb) Lurz on April 19, 2008 at the United Methodist Church in Alliance.
Survivors include his wife, Susan; his sons, Matthew (Katie) Custer of Emporia, Kansas; and Mitchell Custer of Manhattan, Kansas; his step-children, Travis (Shantel) Lurz of Alliance and Brittany (Garrett) Schroeder of Grand Island, Nebraska; his grandson, William Jett Schroeder, and his grand-dog, Rhett. He is also survived by his mother, Helen Custer of Powell; his sister, Connie (Tim) Hopkins of Houston, Texas; his niece, Casey Hopkins of Dallas, Texas; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Jim Harms of Valentine, Nebraska.
His father preceded him in death in April 2020.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the funeral will be for family members only, on Friday, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m., at the United Methodist Church, with Jeanie Sedivy officiating. The service will be livestreamed on Facebook for those wishing to join remotely. It will be on the Mark Custer Celebration of Life page.
The public is invited to the graveside service, at the Alliance Cemetery, at approximately 11 a.m. A reception will follow at the Westside Event Center. Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 7, from 1-7 p.m., with the family being present from 4-6 p.m., at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home, The public is welcome to attend.
Memorials may be given to the Alliance United Methodist Church, Alliance Volunteer Fire Department or to Alliance High School in honor of Mark Custer.
Online condolences can be posted at www.batesgould.com.
