Mark Olson

Mark Westad Olson was born on August 21, 1952 in Wadena, Minnesota.  His parents were the late Philip K. and Jeane (Ardis) Westad.   Marks’s forefathers from Norway homesteaded near Vining and were the founding members of Nidros Lutheran Church.  He grew up in Henning until he was in the 8th grade and his family moved to St. Paul Park.  He graduated from Park High School with the class of 1970. 

On September 21, 1969 Mark was united in marriage with Joyce Johnson in Watertown, South Dakota.  Their marriage was blessed with 2 sons, David & Lance.  Mark was employed with the GCIU Union as a print press operator in Minneapolis.  In 1996 Mark and Joyce moved to Park Rapids and in 2006 made their home in Vining, during that time Mark was employed with Detroit Lake Forum Printing, retiring in 2014. 

Mark was an active member and council member at Nidaros Lutheran Church in rural Clitherall.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren and the Vining Watermelon Days.  Together Mark and Joyce enjoyed traveling, snowmobiling, boating, and yardwork.

After a brief illness, Mark passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Vibra Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota at 67 years of age.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. 

Mark is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Joyce Olson; 2 sons: David (Jody) Olson and Lance Olson; Grandchildren: Jacey, Tasha (Trent), Nathan, Abbey, Brittany, Linsay, Taylor and Summer; great-grandchildren: Levi and Raleymae; sister, Barb Carroll; special nephew, John and his wife, Jenny; many other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and a host of friends.

Family requests no flowers for the service.

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