- Date Of Birth: June 1, 1956
- Date Of Death: March 4, 2016
- State: Minnesota
Mark A. Olson, 59, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2016, in his home, under care of hospice, after a short battle with multiple myeloma cancer and a paralyzing stroke.
Mark Allen was born on June 1, 1956, to Marvin and Ida (Demeyere) Olson, in Warren, MN. Growing up, Mark loved music and played the piano and guitar and was in several rock bands when he was young. He graduated from Warren High School in 1974. In 1976, Mark moved to Phoenix, AZ, where he worked in steel construction. He was briefly married to Teri Ryan in 1981, and had one son, Jesse, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music.
In 1990, Mark moved back to Minnesota, where he worked for Olaf Anderson Construction. He met his soulmate, Laura Shahane, in 1995. They made their home together in Grand Forks and Mark worked for A&L Home Improvement Co. On January 21, 2010, Mark suffered a severe stroke which left him partially paralyzed. In spite of the pain he suffered over the past several years, Mark never complained or was bitter about losing the ability to do some of the things he loved.
Mark was very intelligent and had many gifts that he shared with his family and friends over the years. His love for music kept him almost always in a band. Whether it was in the Midwest or on the coast, Mark loved to make music with a band and his bass guitar. He will be remembered fondly by all his former bandmates for his talent and his friendship.
Mark’s other great skill (among many) was his woodworking. Mark was forever making little trinkets and larger pieces of furniture. His family will remember him for his many one-of-a-kind gifts he gave them, and for his love of unique projects with exotic woods. Mark also enjoyed hunting, and fishing for catfish on the Red River or Walleye on Lake of the Woods. He had a soft spot for cats, especially his fat cat, Rizzo.
Mark is survived by his soulmate of 21 years, Laura Shahane; son, Jesse Romer of Lake Havasue, AZ; brothers, Philip (Denise) Olson of Warren, and Rex (Jackie) Olson, Boise, ID; step-daughter, Tonia (Travis) Gunderson; step-granddaughters, Cally and Carisa; nephews, Ian and Jack Olson; and nieces, Abbey Olson, Hilary (Spenser) Narum, and Sydney and Jessica Olson; and great-nephew, Tosh. He was preceded in death by his parents.
In accordance with Mark’s wishes, his cremated remains will spread on the family’s original homestead outside of Warren.
Mark A. Olson – Service Program
