Mario M. Mejia

Mario Mejia, 62 of Kearney passed away Friday, April 11, 2025 at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Countryside Christian Church in Kearney. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2025 at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Mario M. Mejia, born on July 13, 1962, to Rev. Mario and Maria Elena Mejia, was the beloved only brother in a family of six siblings. After growing up in Minden, NE and graduating from Minden High School in 1981, he went on to pursue his passion for graphic design at Kearney State College. A gifted artist, Mario had a talent for drawing cartoon animals, dragons and medieval knights, along with a flair for sculpting. His creative spirit was matched by his knack for fixing things, which ranged from radios and electronics to bikes and various gadgets — treasures often found at garage sales and thrift shops. He took pride in sharing his “finds” with his family, always with a playful, “I got it on sale!” Mario’s love for animals was evident in his everyday life. He had a soft spot for all creatures and often found himself with a cat or dog curled up in his lap. He humorously claimed that the cats kept him warm during the chilly winter nights, and he generously fed countless stray cats, dogs, possums, raccoons and even chickens throughout the neighborhood. His unique sense of style was a reflection of his vibrant personality. Mario preferred wearing Guayaberas, Hawaiian shirts, utility pants, cargo shorts and accessorized with fedora and flat cap hats, always ensuring his belts and shoes were a perfect match for his outfits. A true car enthusiast, Mario's high school years were marked by his lime green Challenger with mags. He loved “spinning kitties” and proudly cruised around town while blasting music from bands like The Cars, Supertramp and ELO. He had a particular fondness for Mustangs, Carmen Guias, Fiats and Subarus, low riders and hot rods. He never missed participating in Cruise Nite. Mario was obsessed with sweets, food, coffee and Coke Zero. He cherished his sister Mary Ann's famous chocolate chip cookies, Dulce’s chocolate fudge, Linda’s Mexican rice, pan dulce and never turned down any kind of chocolate — which he referred to as his “medicine.” He often requested childhood meals from his sisters of tamales, frijoles and arroz. As the beloved only brother, Mario was surrounded by the love of his sisters, who affectionately gave him nicknames such as “Yayo,” “El Baby,” “Feo,” “Burrrrrooo” and “Viejo.” His playful spirit shone through in his quirky sayings, from “What are you trying to do, kill me?!?,” “Put a bra on it!,” “I’ve got the perfect cat for you!,” “Let’s go Pata de Perroing,” and “No seas Burro!” His teasing, ornery nature made it hard to find a picture of him with his siblings that didn’t capture him making bunny ears behind them with a mischievous smirk. On September 5, 1992, Mario married Rhoda Randel, and together they welcomed four beautiful children: Victoria, Vanessa, Veronica and Maximus, along with countless fur babies. He was a proud father, deeply devoted to his children, sharing his passions for fishing, cars, wrist watches, art, music, pocketknives and multipurpose tools with them. Mario dedicated over 35 years of his life as a caregiver, a role that truly reflected his generous heart. He most recently worked as a plasma processor, bringing kindness and compassion to everyone he encountered. Mario was preceded in death by his daughter Vanessa, his parents Rev. Mario and Maria Elena Mejia, his sister Linda Manns, niece Miranda Manns, nephew Jon-Jon Sherman, great nieces Mary Elizabeth and Esther Ezra and brothers-in-law Kevin Sprague and Dr. Jeffrey Johnson. Those left to cherish Mario’s memory include wife Rhoda; children, Victoria Mejia (fiancé Anthony), Kearney, NE; Veronica Rasmussen-Mejia (Britney), Kearney, NE; Maximus, Kearney, NE. Sisters Rose Sprague (the late Kevin), Aurora, CO; Dulce Sherman (Allen), Omaha, NE; MaryAnn Johnson (the late Jeffrey), LaVista, NE; Esther Mejia (Jeneen Sagon), La Vista, NE; several nieces and nephews. Mother and Father-in-law Lena and Dwaine Randel, Kearney, NE, Rachel Bridges (Dan), Minden, NE, John Randel, Garland, NE, James Randel (Jodi), Miltonvale, KS, Becky Stoner (Rob), Axtell, NE, David Randel (Gwen), Gibbon, NE and Daniel Randel (Marie), Minden, NE. Memorials are suggested to the family and can be sent to O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home: 4115 N Ave, Kearney, 68847. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. His legacy of love, laughter and creativity will be cherished by all who knew him.

Mario M. Mejia

July 13, 1962 - April 11, 2025