Mark M. Rona

A private memorial graveside service for Mark M. Rona will be held at Industry Cemetery in Atlanta, Nebraska, with Military Honors provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the United States Navy Funeral Honors Team.

Mark Mandell Rona, 91 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege. Mark was born in the Bronx, New York, on April 2, 1934, the eldest of twin boys by 25 minutes, born to William and Anna (Rubin) Rona. Mark's father was a positive role model, but he passed away when Mark was only nine years old. Mark received his education in the Bronx until he was 16. The family then moved to Taft, California, where he graduated from High School in 1952.

In June of 1953, Mark joined the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California, until moving to Washington, DC for Fine Control School in September. On March 12, 1955, while on leave, Mark was united in marriage to Wanda Howard. He was shipped out just a few weeks later. Mark was honorably discharged in 1957. The marriage later ended in divorce.

From 1951 to 1953 and from 1957 to 1958, Mark worked as a Roustabout for Standard Oil Companies in Taft. While employed at Cal Military Academy in Los Angeles, California, Mark worked as a sports coach, swimming instructor, and hall aide.

Mark pursued higher education, attending Santa Monica City College from 1958 to 1960 and then Pepperdine College from 1960 to 1962, receiving a bachelor's degree in History, Social Sciences, Psychology, and Physical Education. From 1962-1970, Mark worked as an Industrial Engineer in Downey, California as a material handling specialist. At North American Rockwell, NA Aviation and Douglas Aircraft Company, he worked as a systems analyst coordinating the transport of aircraft engines from California to Louisiana for testing.

On April 6, 1963, Mark married Naedean (Warren) Smith and welcomed her daughter, Raedean, as his own. In 1971, they welcomed a son, Dean. The family made their home in Huntington Beach, California, where he taught 9-12 grade special education for the educational and neurologically handicapped at Barbara Sterling School for two years. He then went on to teach special education in the Orange Unified School District at El Medino High School for over 20 years. While teaching, Mark pursued higher education, and in 1982, graduated from LaVerne University with a Master's in Education. He served two terms as president of the Orange Unified Education Association. He also served as an Orange County Sherrif Harbor Reserve from 1980-1991.

In 1994, both Mark and Naedean retired from teaching and moved to Holdrege to be near Naedean's family. In 1999, Mark was elected as Mayor of Holdrege and proudly served 3 terms. Naedean preceded him in death in May of 1999.

In 2005, he was united in marriage to JoAnne Franco, and the couple enjoyed traveling together until Mark's health began to decline. They became "homebodies" and enjoyed watching movies and sports, loved visits from friends and family, and their parade of cats and faithful dog, Lady.

Although being raised in a Jewish home, on January 29, 2006, Mark was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Holdrege.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Naedean; his twin brother, Robert Sigmund Rona; and a nephew, Michael Rona.

Mark is survived by his wife, Jo-Anne of Holdrege; two children: Raedean Rona of Downey, California; and Dean Rona and his significant other, Michele of Beaverton, Oregon; along with other relatives and friends.

There will be no visitation or memorial book signing. The family is honoring Mark's wish for cremation.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Mark's honor, and we kindly suggest that donations be made to the Cancer Society.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.