Mark Loren Olsen

Mark Loren Olsen

March 01, 1947 - August 29, 2012

Mark Loren Olsen

March 01, 1947 - August 29, 2012

Obituary

Mark L. Olsen was born March 1,1947 in Sheboygan, WI to Roy and Anita Olsen as their second son. He grew up in the upper peninsula of MI before moving to Prescott, AZ for his mother’s health. He attended the University of Arizona where he received his degree in math and his Master’s degree in accounting with honors. During this time he met the love of his life, Irene, and they were married in August 1969. They moved to Phoenix, AZ where Mark joined the prestigious firm of Arthur Andersen as a CPA and excelled in tax accounting. Their first son, Brian, was born in 1972 and their second son, Erik, in 1975. His firm sent him to Houston, TX for two years where a third son, Andrew, was born in 1978. Later that year they moved to Mission Viejo, CA where he continued to work for Arthur Anderson until he joined a local accounting firm and from there started his own partnership with two friends. In 1981 and 1985, God blessed him and Irene with two lovely daughters, Stephanie and Tracy, thus making a full infield for his baseball team. In 1986 he joined a firm that later became Kramer & Olsen Accountancy Corporation as the tax partner. It has been said that he was the best tax man in Orange County.

Mark felt very strongly about raising his children in a Christian atmosphere and referenced Joshua 24:15, ‘But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.’ He also wanted all teenagers to have the same opportunity to learn and grow in Christ. Mark was a strong supporter of CLHS (California Lutheran High School), serving on the board for over 25 years, and was instrumental in establishing the school’s permanent location. Many remember him cheering in the end zone and on the sidelines at football and other sports games as well as enjoying all the concerts put on by the high school students. He showed his appreciation for many called workers by providing financial advice and tax preparation. His life of service also included membership on the board of the Lutheran Credit Union for many years.

He played basketball, tennis and baseball in his youth, and was an Angels and Dodgers fan for a long time. He loved to tell us stories of his baseball games, where he played first base, with his brother, Richard and his Dad pitching! He was an avid fan of Jeopardy, trivia games and crossword puzzles. A former trombone player, he had a great fondness for music ranging from classical to big band to folk, and he passed this love on to his children.

Despite a sometimes gruff exterior, he was a softy once you got to know him. He was a generous man and always willing to help wherever he was needed. His love for his family was shown on a daily basis and he set a wonderful Christian example for his children. He was overwhelmingly proud of all his children. Becoming a grandpa was truly a delight for him. He loved being with his three grandchildren, Tyler 3, Charlie 1 and Kellina 8 months.

Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. — Revelation 2:10

Well done, good and faithful servant!

In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to:

California Lutheran High School
PO Box 1570
Wildomar, CA 92595

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30 responses to Mark Loren Olsen

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  1. Dear Irene and Family,

    I have been a client and friend of Mark’s for many many years. From the first conversation it felt like there was a bond which I am sure was not unique to me, but the way Mark treated so many others. Not only did he guide me professionally but he was a friend. Always interested in my life and eager to share his stories of family and church, he was a trustworthy and loyal pal. He donated Club 33 to Casa Youth Shelter’s Auction for years. It was a highlight of the Live Auction for a decade and brought in money to help all the homeless and throwaway teens in Orange County. Just one of the ways Mark gave to his community.

    Irene, you have my deepest condolences, he was a wonderful man who spoke of his family all the time, who loved the new babies, and everything he shared with his kids.

    I am so sad he is gone. I have an email from him asking where the next lunch should be….now I know. I hope that Mark has great peace and all the blessings of his faith.

    With deep affection,
    Debbie Tavlin

  2. Stan C. says:

    Dear Irene & Family:

    My family and I are deeply saddened by Mark’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.

    I was fortunate enough to have worked with Mark some 20 years ago. He was dedicated to his work and always demonstrated the utmost integrity when dealing with client matters. Mark was very intelligent and his tax knowledge was exceptional. Since I left his firm, we had maintained our friendship all these years. With his busy schedule and active family life, Mark had always been very generous with his time. Whenever I needed a trusted friend, I could always count on him being there for me. It’s very unusual these days to find a person so caring and giving. I will truly miss my friend, Mark.

    We hope that you and your family will lean on God’s strength and love to help you through this difficult time. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

    Stan, Shiela, and Michelle Lam

  3. Jerry Jones says:

    Irene, Mark and Family. You will not remember me, but Mark hired me when he was with Greg N. and Ken G, 1986 or so….. He was always gruff and so full of himself, don’t get me wrong, he was always right and had that look in his eye, go ahead prove me wrong “:)….. He made me a better CPA, even though I already thought I was. I always enjoyed his company and our lunches together…. After I moved to Reno in 1994, we lost touch for awhile. We reconnected in the mid 2000’s and did not miss a beat. Being a Sole Practioner, he was always my sounding board, and was always there for me. And just sometimes, just sometimes, I was almost right! Sometimes, even he had to think about It….. Wow, was that a rush to me…..

    Big guy, I will miss you, and I still owe you that lunch for all your advice. Someday, sometime!

    With much love and respect, your loyal friend.

    Big Jer

  4. To Mark’s Family. You don’t know me, or my business partner, but we will definitely miss the big guy. I first met Mark when he was a partner with Chuck Mahaylo. He became our business and personal CPA at that time (circa 1981). He always had sound advice and a great business sense. I competed in slow pitch softball against him, when he played for Mahaylo’s team. My partner and I had lunch with Mark recently, at one of his favorite spots…Gulliver’s. We will miss those periodic feasts!

    We will surely miss his timely advice and counsel; and to his family, we send you are most sincere condolences. As St. Paul said, “he fought the good fight, he won the race” he’s with his Maker…may he rest in peace!

    Bob Arboit

  5. Kat Bowers says:

    In Memory of Mark, he solved many problems related to my taxes for many years. He loved what he did and was excellent in his work. A good man. Thank you Mark for everything you did and everything as a human being. God Speed. Katherine Bowers

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