Mark Kenneth Nielson's Obituary
Mark Kenneth Nielson passed away September 10, 2024 following a long, brave battle with cancer.
Mark was a man committed to his family, who enjoyed his career and who would constantly seek out the next challenge or project.
Mark graduated from Culver Military Academy in Indiana where he was a member of the band and a photographer for the yearbook. After cancer required that his right leg be amputated his senior year, he exhibited his classic determination by learning to walk without crutches or a cane in time for graduation. He proudly walked unassisted through Culver’s iron gate and received the McDonald watch award for the greatest cultural contribution to the academy. He then earned his bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton and his Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!).
Mark began his career as a project manager for Morgan Engineering Company. Deciding he wanted a faster pace of work, Mark transitioned to become the Operations director for TAK Automation, which moved him from Ohio to California.
In California, Mark began his career at Bechtel, taking roles of increasing scope and responsibility including managing financing and investment for large infrastructure projects in North America, New Zealand, Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico, Curacao, Canada, Indonesia, Germany, Panama, Chile, Australia, the Philippines, Russia, India, and Singapore. Reflecting his attention to detail, he tracked all his air travel and flew more than 4.3 million miles in his lifetime. Following many years of service, Mark retired from his role of Vice President at Bechtel to open an infrastructure consulting firm. This change allowed him to spend more time with his family.
Mark devoted his life to his wife of 39 years, Susan, and his kids, Kevin and Lindsey. Together they travelled to all 50 states by the time the kids were each 50 months old, and Mark regularly brought the family along on international trips. Mark coached both kids in softball and baseball, sat on the board of Foster City Little League and co-founded the youth softball league in Foster City. As the kids grew to adults, Mark continued to support them, often traveling significant distances to show up for a dinner or event and always available for guidance and support. He would often bring the family along on his photography trips including recent trips to the Trinity Site in New Mexico and to see the total lunar eclipse in Indiana.
Mark will be deeply missed by many including his wife, Susan Sullivan Nielson as well as their two children, Kevin Mark Nielson and Lindsey Susan Martinson, his son-in-law, Kenneth Maurice Martinson, his grandbaby, Timothy Kenneth Martinson, and his siblings Brad Nielson (JoAnn Nielson), Dean Nielson, and Gwen Waring (Phil Waring). He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Miriam Nielson.
The family will hold a celebration of life at Central Peninsula Church in Foster City at 2:30pm on Sunday, September 22. They deeply appreciate prayers and support at this time.
Just one more thing (in the words of Columbo)… Mark loved films. Some of his greatest memories came from managing a movie theater when he was in college. In his honor, his family recommends watching some of his favorites: Columbo, The Sting, Singing in the Rain, The Music Man, Annie Hall, and James Bond.
What’s your fondest memory of Mark?
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Share a story where Mark's kindness touched your heart.
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