Mark Ray Lambrecht

Mark Ray Lambrecht
July 27, 1952 – January 14, 2020

Mark was born in Norfolk, NE in 1952 and grew up in nearby Pierce on Main Street across from the Chevrolet dealership his father operated for 50 years. In his youth he enjoyed being outdoors, especially hunting with friends, and often listening to music. He served as drum major in the Pierce High School marching band and his love for the drums continued outside of school with his band, The Escape, which enjoyed regional success until the summer after his graduation in 1970. Like many young people growing up in small midwest communities, Mark left after high school to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, a metropolis when compared to Pierce. While studying business, friends introduced him to his future wife and business partner, Kristi. They built a friendship over years at the University that continued when they each moved to Omaha in 1976, to help friends open small businesses. Shortly after arriving in Omaha, Kristi decided to take a seminar on stained glass at the local community college and shared excitement about what she was learning with Mark. It was then that Mark picked up a glass cutter for the first time and discovered the passion that would become their life’s work.

Mark and Kristi were married on December 9, 1978, in Lincoln, Kristi’s hometown. Lambrecht Glass Studio was founded that same year. The work of those early days took place in the small basement of their home in the Dundee neighborhood, where they ultimately lived for over four decades. And as the business grew so did their family. Mark and Kristi welcomed their first daughter, Laura, on January 31, 1982. Their second daughter, Jenna, made her debut on January 5, 1985, and, continuing the January birthday tradition, the family welcomed a third daughter, Kara, on January 3, 1989. In the moments outside of work, Mark focused on family. He enjoyed so much of life – skiing in the Rocky Mountains, teaching his daughters to play Cribbage, being on the water, or spending a Christmas in Hawaii. But it was always with his beloved family. The work he did and the effort he spent was to create for them a life filled with love and laughter. He created that.

In August 1996 the business grew again. Mark bought a classic Old Market building in downtown Omaha and, from this location, Lambrecht Glass Studio entered a new phase, one that continues today to provide services rooted in integrity and faith to clients throughout Nebraska and well beyond. Mark was hardworking, an honest businessman who effortlessly connected with everyone he met. He made an impact in people’s lives. He was humble, selfless, naturally curious, engaging, prudent, and deeply caring. The community that Mark created around himself included his family, working partnerships, and faith driven relationships. It is a credit to his character that the lines between them were often hard to see: work, faith, and family defined Mark Lambrecht’s life.

Mark passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by those who loved him. He is survived by wife Kristi, daughters Laura (Adam Betts), Jenna (Jeffrey Dennis), and Kara (Alexander Wanitschke), grandchildren Eleanor Jane and Louis Mark, sister Jeannie (William) Stillwell. Mark is preceded in death by his parents Ray and Mildred Lambrecht.

Mark was strong man of faith. And though his presence on earth will be greatly missed, we rejoice that Mark is now enjoying life free of pain and suffering with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In the end it was ALS that took Mark from us. There is no cure for ALS and disease research is drastically underfunded despite high profile efforts like the Ice Bucket Challenge. We urge you to contribute to the research that will eliminate this disease and help those who are suffering now. I am ALS is our preferred partner in this fight. To donate, visit iamals.org/donate

Family will receive friends Sunday, January 19^th from 3pm to 5pm, at the West Center Chapel followed by a MEMORIAL SERVICE at 5pm.