Mark Joseph U'thixide Awakuni-Swetland Obituary (1956 - 2015)

Mark Joseph U'thixide Awakuni-Swetland, 58, of Lincoln NE, passed away February 23, 2015. Born April 7, 1956 in Lincoln, NE. Mark was an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Ethnic Studies (Native American Studies) at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln for 15 years. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, and his Masters and Bachelor degrees from UNL. He graduated from Pius X High School in Lincoln, NE in 1974. At an early age U'thixide "look around" was adopted into his Omaha family by Charles and Elizabeth Stabler. A love of the Omaha people was his focus throughout his life. Mark is survived by his wife Donna K. Awakuni-Swetland and sons Micah and Keali'i Swetland. Siblings: Trudy Martin of Hobbs, NM, Michele (Kevin) Cullen of Shelby, NE, Matthew (Patricia) Swetland of Lincoln, Nancy Swetland of Lincoln, Luke (Stacey Byers) Swetland of Santa Barbara, CA, Rachel (Eric) Garten of Lincoln, NE, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Lee I. and Margaret A. Swetland, older brother Gary Swetland; grandparents Charles and Elizabeth Stabler; Dad Lorenzo Stabler. Memorial celebration Thursday Feb 26, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Indian Center, 1100 Military Road, Lincoln, NE 402-438-5231. Memorial donations to family in-lieu of flowers.