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
Karl and Nancy Lemke says:
September 6, 2012
Dear Olsen families
We were saddened to hear of Mark’s death. Karl and I have fond memories of the times we were able to spend with Mark. We loved it when you stopped at our farm in Enumclaw many years ago. We had a great time at the Lemke and cousins reunion in New Mexico. Time moves so swiftly and we are certainly grateful to have been blessed with our cousin Mark. His dedication to Christ his Lord, his family, his church and community are a great inspiration for us. We will miss him and we all can be comforted in knowing he is with his Savior.
In Christ,
Karl and Nancy Lemke
Kimber Newman says:
September 6, 2012
Lit a candle in memory of Mark Loren Olsen
Liz Kirchner (Olsen) says:
September 6, 2012
In the hopes other people will have memories inspired by mine, I’m going to write quite a bit. Most of this is also on Facebook. Mark is my Dad’s only sibling, and my closest uncle. If you’ve seen Mark and my Dad, you might know why Mark is like my second Dad.
I recall one time when he told me on the phone that he was sincerely sorry I wouldn’t be able to join the rest of the Olsens at Disneyland and it was one of the first times I had to be “grown-up” on the phone, because I hadn’t heard that everyone else was going while I was at camp.
I remember discussing books with Mark. He was trying to win me over to Heart of Darkness and convince me to read other Conrad, but he failed. I hated that book.
We also talked about our favorite Disney movies, and his love of Sheep Head (the card game) when played with the “right” number of players. I never could play Raiders Trivial Pursuit or some of those music games near his level. I did enjoy his compilation of word games and mental quizzes that I ran into a few years after it was first brought out for the holidays. (7 C in the W (A,A, A, A, E, N.A., S.A)) Every conversation I had with Mark I was impressed by his intelligence. He was very knowledgeable and very quick-witted.
Of course I can’t see Diet Pepsi or Ruth’s Chris without thinking of him. Our hotel in Toronto last weekend was attached to one!
He was so very generous with many. He was and remains an excellent Christian role-model whose good works touched countless souls.
One of my favorite recent Mark memories was at Stephanie’s wedding when we were taking pictures afterwards. Claus was just standing around during the Olsen family shots and Mark said, “Claus, you should come be in this.” And Claus was hesitant. Mark said something to the effect of, “Well, you’re going to be in the family some day, right? Get over here!” It was very welcoming, and of course, it’s now great that Claus is in those family pictures even in 2007.
Claus never could have proposed in Club 33 in Disneyland if it weren’t for Mark. Maybe I wouldn’t have said yes somewhere else! And I never could have had delicious fruit cocktails there with Erik, Drew, and Tracy last time I was there, sitting by memorabilia from my favorite movie ever, The Happiest Millionaire. Nevertheless, I will have to stick with my favorite ride there as Space Mountain, though that elevator and the experience it goes with is phenomenal.
Even though we didn’t agree in politics, or exactly in religion, I always felt loved. And when I was confirmed, when I graduated from high school and from college and from med school, and when I got married, I felt his love and his pride. And that’s what means the most in this world. Every time I saw him, Mark would reach out and call me “Lizzie” and ask for a hug. When I was confirmed, Mark and Irene and BEAST gave me a beautiful cross necklace I still have. When Claus and I were married, Irene gave a moving toast and offered her and Mark’s advice any time on marriage. The heart-felt words mean a lot to me, all the more because of Mark and Irene’s incredibly successful and loving marriage.
I’m so sad he’s gone. It was just a few weeks ago Mark and Irene were having dinner with my parents discussing all us kids. But, Mark left a lot of love, besides some great kids and grandkids.
My sincere condolences and my love go out to Irene, Brian, Erik, Andrew, Stephanie, and Tracy.
Mary Neunsinger Remmers says:
September 6, 2012
We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go,we take a little of each other with us. I always had some great teasing that was in fun with Mark. He shared his family with me at times that were very special memories to me. He was blessed with a wonderful family and fabulous grandchildren. Each of them has a great memory to me. He provided a good living with strong family characteristics. Thanks Mark for what you gave to all of us around you. Mary Remmers
cheryl steele says:
September 7, 2012
To Irene, Brian, Erik, Andrew, Stephanie and Tracey and their families… Our Love and continued prayers go out to all of you. Mark will be deeply missed by our family as well. Always, Michael and Cheryl Steele