Mark Olson

On Saturday morning, August 22, 2020, Mark joined a group of friends for a bike ride, one of his most favorite things to do in life. He fell and sustained serious head trauma and was transferred to Sanford Medical Center in where he peacefully passed away surrounded with love on Sunday, August 30.

Mark was born December 8, 1947 to George and Josephine (Brennan) Olson in St. Paul. The Olson family grew up in Afton, MN and Mark graduated from Stillwater High School. He attended what is now the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Mark served with the US Army in Korea. He came back to his family’s resort on Paul Lake and met the new speech therapist Cindy Daley. They were married June 15, 1974 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham, where they have been lifelong members. Mark worked in Ag. Sales for a number of years, was an agent for Farmers Insurance Group, and the last many years before retirement, worked for Allegro Marketing in Sales and Production. In each venture it was the personal relationships developed that brought him joy.

Mark was deeply involved in our community. He was a member of the MN Lakes Woodturners Association and an avid member of the Lakes Area Bike Club. He enjoyed the fellowship of the Fishermen Group at church as well as the Brew Group. His annual trip to the Boundary Waters with the church Canoe Group fed his soul.

Mark loved his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Cindy; children Adam (Abby) of Hastings, MN and Nathan of Eagan, MN and Beth Collis of Apple Valley, MN; and his grandchildren Henry, Myles, Naomi, Noah, Nevin, Elijah, Grace, and Jasmine.

Mark also leaves behind his sisters Jenny (Wayne) Caughey, Susan (James) Mack, and Char (Tim) Franey; his brothers Peter (Julee) and Chris (Ginny); his in-laws Andrea (Greg) Stennes, Jennie (Gregg) Johnson, and Mark (Sally) Daley; and a whole bunch of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents George and Josephine Olson; his in-laws Merle and Marilyn Daley and Mary Ann Daley and Mark can now embrace his infant son Luke Christian Olson.

Mark was a man of deep but uncomplicated faith; love your neighbor as yourself.  As said by St. Francis of Assis, Mark “practiced the Gospel and when necessary, used words”. He will be missed.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers, love, and concern for our family.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. followed by the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. A live stream of Mark’s service will be available to view on this website. A recording of the service will be posted here after the service has finished.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com