Mark Loren Olsen
March 01, 1947 - August 29, 2012
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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
30 responses to Mark Loren Olsen
Steve Melde says:
August 31, 2012
My dear Mark, Thank you… for it all. I remember being a kid and having a great time in your home on the west side of Phoenix, playing with your little kids. I remember spending time with you in Spring, Texas. I remember oh so many visits to California, to Club 33, to dinners, and events. I remember your generosity, and love of family, and your love of God in Jesus Christ. I remember a gruffness that was released into a soft kindness. I remember you my dear brother, and I will always. thank you. And thank you God for allowing me to know you through Mark! Peace, forever.
Beth Furstenthal says:
September 1, 2012
Dear Irene and Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I have far too many fond memories of Mark to begin discussing them all. I remember him from swimming lessons in Prescott, when he became one of the volunteers; I remember him in the early years of Ann and Richard’s romance when he played the role of teasing little brother; I remember him from the University of Arizona and Tucson, where we first met Irene and saw the love that they shared. Then during the years Mark and Irene were in California, we were lucky enough to see Mark and his family from time to time, mostly at happy events such as weddings and baptisms. Joe and I certainy always felt a kinship with Mark and his family, for we shared loved ones, and Ann and Richard always kept us informed on what was happening with Mark and his growing family. I enjoyed arguing politics with Mark, but over the years, we seemed to out grow that and to focus on what is truly important, family and shared values. I last saw Mark at Liz and Claus’s wedding, basking in the shared love that surrounded that happy day. I will always think so very fondlly of Mark. My love to all his loved ones.
Beth Furstenthal
Carolyn Buescher Parker says:
September 4, 2012
Dear Irene and Family… Through a mutual friend, Miriam Kusserow, I heard of Mark going home to be with our Lord. It has been many years since we’ve been in touch, but there are many fond memories of growning up with Mark and his family in Prescott. Our folks were together almost every weekend and we spent most holiday meals together. I am thankful to hear that he put the Lord and then his family first in his life. May the Lord comfort and bless you all and keep you in His care until we can all be reunitied in the end.
God’s blessings,
Carolyn Buescher Parker
Chuck Melde says:
September 4, 2012
There never was a man more dedicated to his family and his lord. I weep for my sister’s loss – no, actually I am thankful she found someone so compatible with her own beliefs and was able to spend a lifetime creating something they called their “BEAST” (which is actually quite the opposite). Brian, Erik, Andrew, Stephanie and Tracy are products of pure love and their goodness is a tribute to Mark and Irene’s dedication to good old fashioned family values. My dear sister your work is not finished, you have grandchildren that need your love and to hear the stories about the kind of man their grandfather was. Be at peace knowing you did everything and more that a wife can do for her husband. I miss you Mark, I always will. Thank you for the loving you brought to my sister. Chuck.
Jennifer Daughaday says:
September 4, 2012
RIP Mr. Olsen. I know he’ll be watching down on the family as one of their strongest guardian angels! All our love goes to entire family during this difficult time.