Dr. Mark J. Wierman of Bellevue, NE, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at the age of 62. Born in Syracuse and raised in Vestal, NY, Mark was a professor of computer science at Creighton University in Omaha for twenty-three years. He loved teaching, and was deeply devoted to his students’ success. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from SUNY Purchase, and a Master’s in Mathematics and Ph.D. in Systems Science from SUNY Binghamton. Mark was a brilliant scholar who authored several books, journal articles, and conference papers exploring systems that contain uncertainty. He worked in the areas of generalized information theory, rough set theory, fuzzy mathematics, evidence theory, genetic algorithms, and measures of consensus, dissention, and agreement. A successful academic and researcher, Mark gave even more of himself to his family. He was a man who read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to his nieces and nephews each year from childhood into adulthood; a man who never hesitated to tell people he was proud of them when they showed courage during times of adversity. Mark was also a kind, loving, and devoted husband who, despite a disdain for early mornings, would travel to the farmer’s market at the opening hour to get his wife Mary her favorite produce. With generosity toward others, and an open smile, Mark loved music, particularly the legendary bands of the 70’s. Just a few weeks before his unexpected passing, he and Mary attended Paul McCartney’s performance in Omaha. When reflecting on Mark’s life, one is reminded that, “In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” Mark was predeceased by his mother, Margaret Wierman (née Quinlan) of Vestal, NY. In addition to his loving wife Mary Dobransky of Bellevue, NE, Mark is survived by his father William Wierman of Vestal, NY; siblings: Bill Wierman of Apalachin, NY, and Beth and her husband Brien Carroll of San Antonio, TX; sisters-in-law: Ann and her husband William Pralat of Endicott, NY, and Susie and Robert Vicks of Apalachin, NY; brother-in-law Joseph Dobransky of Venetia, PA; nieces and nephews: Tara and Jared Davis of San Antonio, TX, Andrew Carroll of Russellville, AR, Bailey Carroll of New York, NY, Michael and Rachele Simpson of Endicott, NY, Shannon Dobransky and Charles Hanna of Vestal, NY, and Katie Pralat of Endicott, NY; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family who loved him so.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2017, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Allen Memorial Home located at 511 East Main Street in Endicott, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, August 21, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Following the services, Mark will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Mark’s honor to the American Heart Association or the Nebraska Humane Society. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.