Brian L. Mariska was born on June 6, 1944 in Fairbury, NE to Robert L. Mariska and Leonore (Fritz) Mariska. After much suffering and pain these last few years mostly due to Multiple Sclerosis he joined his family and friends in Heaven on June 15, 2017. Brian grew up in Pleasant Hill, NE and graduated from Wilbur High School in 1962. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biosystems Management in the Agricultural Engineering Department and a Master's Degree in Economics from UNL. He worked with his father and grandfather at their Case business until 1972. Briefly he was an extension educator at UNL but his allergies prevented him from working with the animals. He managed 10,000 acres of land with the State Aeronautical Department of Nebraska from 1973-1983. Then he began working for the Nebraska Department of Roads where he developed several cars and trucks and did purchasing. In 1998 he received Nebraska Employee of the year from Governor Ben Nelson. Shortly thereafter he retired due to his MS but continued to do consulting work for different businesses. God, family, church, husker football and sprint car racing at Eagle Raceway were his main priorities (in that order). He lived by the creed , Let Go and Let God.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon of Lincoln, NE; father, Bob Mariska of Crete, NE; son, Chad (Amy) Mariska of Tulsa, OK; daughter, Tara (Ryan) Zuspan of Lincoln, NE; step-sons, Adam (Lesley) Leibhart, Aaron (Andrea) Leibhart of Seward, NE; step-daughter, Amanda (Mike) Guzallis of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Sam, Isaac, Julie, Dalton, Ivy, Jesse and Tucker Leibhart, Gavin Flood, Charlie Stoltenberg, Carson and Caden Mariska, Jackson and Reed Zuspan; sister-in-law, Shirley Mariska; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Leonore Mariska; brothers, Jack and Neil Mariska.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, Southwood Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE with Pastor Karl-John Stone officiating. Casual attire requested with your favorite Husker gear. A visitation with family will be held at Southwood Lutheran Church on Tuesday 6-8 PM. Inurnment to be held at a later date, Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Dorchester, NE. Memorials in lieu of flowers to Southwood Lutheran Church to be used towards the youth mission program.