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
Jennifer Daughaday says:
September 4, 2012
Lit a candle in memory of Mark Loren Olsen
Jennifer Elgin says:
September 4, 2012
Dear Olsen family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mark has been such a permanent fixture in the lives of the CLHS family that his passing will be felt by so many people and for a very long time. May God Bless and Comfort you all as only He can.
The Elgin Family
Judy (Caward) Daggett says:
September 4, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with all those who grieve. And we know from the New Testament — and the shortest verse in the bible — Jesus wept. But, we also know that He is the Resurrection and the life. God bless, classmate, Judy (Caward) Daggett.
Nate Sievert says:
September 4, 2012
To Irene and the rest of the OlsEn family (one of the first things Mark corrected me on upon arriving in CA – the “e” not an “O”)- our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn the loss of your husband and father. We thank our Savior above for the gift of Mark and the time our Lord gave us with him on earth. Let us all celebrate that he now sits in Christ’s glory forever. No more stressful tax seasons to work through, just daily joy. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who lives and believes in me will never die.” May God be with all of you.
The Sieverts – Nate, Amy, Sam, Olivia, Makenzie
Rev. Gregory Bork says:
September 4, 2012
I have had the privilege of working side by side with Mark for many years in the building up of CLHS. I will always remember him as a man with a big heart–for the Lord, for his family, for others, and for the less fortunate. Sacrifice was not a word for Mark; it was his life style. All those who attended CLHS, no matter what year, have a debt of gratitude to this man of God. He did a lot for our beloved high school. His heart was not just filled with love, but with faith; a faith that had absolute confidence in His Savior’s work to save and His promises to bless. That is why Mark could work so confidently for the school even when logic would say it looked impossible. Mark was always the first one to say, when looking at the school’s finances, “As an accountant, I would say this is nuts; but as a believer, I know the Lord will provide, because He always does.” And Mark was right. So very often his messages to the Board of Directors ended with “To God be the Glory!” Indeed, Mark. We thank and glorify Him for you, our salvation, and everything else. To your family, we express our sympathy, and your encouragement: “The Lord will provide, He always does.” Pastor Greg and Julie Bork