Colonel Mark L. Williamson
September 21, 1970 – March 26, 2024
Colonel Mark L. Williamson, affectionately known as “Nukes,” USAF, Retired, 53, passed away suddenly on March 26, 2024, after suffering a massive stroke. His loss has left his family profoundly saddened, as his departure was completely unexpected.
Mark was born on September 21, 1970, to David and Judith Williamson in Great Falls, Montana, while his father, Dave, was stationed at Malmstrom AFB. He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle Williamson; daughter Nicole (Maddisen Mohnsen) Mohnsen; son Gregory Williamson; daughter Lauren Williamson; parents David and Judith Williamson; and brother Richard Williamson.
Mark and Michelle’s journey began on July 6, 1996, when they tied the knot while both stationed at Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska. They met during their time as Lieutenants in the Air Force at Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota. Their bond grew strong despite Mark’s deployments, and they embarked on their life journey together in Papillion as Mark pursued his flying career in the RC135.
The family expanded with the births of their children, Nikki (Nicole – 1998) and Greg (Gregory – 2001), during their time at Offutt AFB. Mark’s assignments led them to diverse locations, from Beale AFB, California, where he flew the Global Hawk, to Leavenworth for school, and then to the Pentagon in Washington DC, where their family was completed with the birth of Lauren in 2007.
Mark’s military career took him across the country and around the world, connecting him with countless individuals. His passion for family, faith, and community was evident to all who knew him. He cherished moments spent with his Old Man Ruck Club, at The Forging Table, surrounded by books, and sharing his infectious smile with everyone he encountered.
His sudden passing leaves a deep wound in the hearts of his family and the vast network of friends and colleagues who held him dear. The family requests contributions to their memorial fund in lieu of flowers and invites loved ones to share memories of Mark on their memorial website.
Nicole is a teacher in North Carolina, Gregory is a teacher in Nebraska, and Lauren is completing high school in Nebraska.
Mark leaves behind a legacy of 28 years of dedicated service to his country, embodying the values of the Air Force and touching the lives of many along the way. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
To honor Mark’s legacy, we are compiling stories about how Mark has impacted your lives. If you have stories or memories you would like to contribute, please click here to add a document with your stories. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1k4xvmzjK7lFejBXzg_1QFW7HCNCMG8UE?usp=sharing
Funeral Service: Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 10:00 A.M., Life.Church Omaha, 20710 Gold Cir., Elkhorn, NE 68022
Burial with Full Military Honors: Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 2:30 P.M., Omaha National Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in any of the following ways you desire:
The family attends Life.Church Omaha and donations can be made in Mark’s name at: https://www.life.church/giving
In honor of Mark’s love of hunting, the outdoors and his love of country, we have chosen the following organization that one of his very own is a Vice President for: Helping Heroes Foundation https://helpingheroesfoundation.org/
The family will be memorial fund is open to assist with college for Lauren Williamson and unexpected life expenses that will arise during this time of transition for the family at https://mealtrain.com/4em927
29 Comments
Condolences to his family and his friends
Michelle, my deepest sympathies to you & your family.
My heart breaks for you during this tragic, difficult time. Sending you love & prayers.
Such a lovely obituary and condolences to his wonderful family
Michelle, we have the highest regard for our family and your dedication to public service based on Dave & Judy’s deep commitments & joy being with your family. Please know a whole club of Rotarians have you in our thoughts, our prayers, positive energy for healing. Mark will be missed across the country.
Condolences to family and friends. One final salute to you Colonel.
My condolences and prayers to your family.
Mark’ death is a monumental loss to his family, friends, his church and his community. My prayers are with you all during this time. We appreciate his service to God and country. May peace be with you all.
Mark’s death is a monumental loss to his family, his friends, his church as well as his community. We appreciate Mark’s service to God and country. Sending prayers for piece at this most difficult time.
May God comfort you during this difficult time. May many pleasant memories fill your hearts with peace. We appreciate Mark’s Service to God and country. Praying for comfort to all who are grieving his loss.
Mark’s passing is a monumental loss to his family, friends, church and community. His service to God and country is appreciated. May fond memories provide peace for you at this difficult time.
Mark’s passing is a monumental loss to his family friends, church and community. Mark’s service to God and country is very much appreciated. May many fond memories. comfort you during this difficult time.
Michelle, our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Mark was a well-respected officer and pilot. I always enjoyed flying with him.
A lovely obituary. My condolences to Mark’s family.
Gary and I are so sorry to hear of this loss. May memories comfort you.
I am happy to have the opportunity to learn about Mark’s incredible life and family. I am a friend of Judy’s and I
have been thinking of all of you ever since I learned the news of Mark’s death. I have lost my husband, parents, and a sibling but not a child.. I am no expert on grieving, but I have confidence that your faith will see you through. It will not take away the pain, but it will make sense of it. Each one of us walks the way of the Cross. God Bless you.
We love you and hurt so deeply for you. Life without Mark will not be the same for anyone who knew him. Just to have one more deep conversation with him about who Jesus is and what it looks like to be a Christ follower ❤️
I am blessed to have known Mark and to have called him friend, He was a great, great Man. He left a wonderful mark on this earth and was taken from us way too early. May God comfort Michelle, his wonderful children, and the rest of his family.
Mark was one of the finest officers I ever worked with in my 32-year Air Force career. He could lift an entire squadron’s morale up within seconds with his wonderfully positive attitude, a flash of his smile and a burst of his laughter. Even as a 2nd Lt, Mark was a powerful leader who could diplomatically frame and present decisions for senior officers while leading and looking after his peers and the rank and file. We will all miss Mark, but I’m sure that his wonderful example will live inside all of those that were lucky enough to know him. God Bless all of the Williamson family during this trying time.
Mark, my brother in Christ, you are sorely missed… until we see you again in heaven! I deeply valued your friendship over the decades I’ve known you (31 years). You taught me a lot about leader ship when we were second lieutenants together. You were a natural leader. I am truly grateful you followed Christ. And you are with him now. Michelle, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids. Sending you hugs and sisterly love. To Dave and Judy, great job raising an amazing son! My prayers and thoughts are with you too, in this deep loss, that is bitter-sweet, but will end with happiness when we see him in heaven.
God sent his Son so we might have life and life abundantly your family was truly blessed Mark was the best! Much love to you all!! Mo
I wish I could be there in person. Love you all so much. So grateful for my short time with you guys. Very grateful for my time with Mark and his time with me. I’ll be watching from Rochester. Thank you Mark from the deepest places of my being for the things you’ve done for me to put me where I am now. Only you and the Lord know how much that means to me. Till next time, Col. -J
Michelle and Family,
My heart is broken for your loss. I pray your faith continues to provide you each the strength and hope to navigate this life without Mark at your side.
Prayers for your family Michelle. Mark, may you rest in peace and be delighted at the joy of being close to God. Condolences from our family to yours.
Nuke and Michelle, Danette and I are thankful the Lord had our paths cross, but we had no idea just how close our paths ran in parallel. We are blessed to have gotten to know the Williamson family, and while we’re sad he’s not here to share life with any longer, we rejoice in knowing he’s in glory and free from pain or suffering, and knowing we’ll see him again.
We know Dave and Judy though bridge Clearly Mark was raised well and was in the midst of a great career and part of wonderful family, We extend our sincere condolences for the loss you are all feeling.
My heart is breaking with this sad news. Prayers for comfort and strength as you grieve your great loss. Peace and Love.
Our hearts are saddened at the loss of a child of anyone but particularly of friends so dear to us. We continue to pray for Judy, Dave, Mark and the entire Williamson family and know how much Mark wii be missed but also how much he accomplished in life.
My deepest sympathy to Judy and Dave and family for the loss of your son. You have been in my thoughts and prayers since hearing about Mark. What a beautifully written obituary. May the love of family and friends bring you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Just learned today of the passing. Loved working with Nukes and had the pleasure of serving as his 1st Sgt the last year of my career.
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