Mark Andrew "Ole" Olson

Mark Andrew "Ole" Olson, age 72, was born on January 15, 1954, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Verne and Donna Mae Olson (Christensen). Mark passed away peacefully at his home on November 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

A visitation will be held at Northview North Mankato Mortuary on Thursday, November 12, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Mankato on Friday, November 13, at 11:00 a.m.

Mark was a gifted three-sport athlete who graduated from Fulda High School in 1972. He made history as the first basketball player to score more than 1,000 career points. (He would always remind us that there was no 3-point line at that time). He went on to attend Mankato State University, where he played basketball and was a four-year letter winner. His team captured the conference championship in 1976, and Mark proudly wore his championship ring throughout his life. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1976. In 2014, Mark and his teammates from the 1975-76 basketball team were inducted into the Minnesota State University Athletics Hall of Fame.

While working at First Federal Savings and Loan, Mark met the love of his life, Susan Willaert. They were married on May 20, 1983, and together built a life centered on faith, family, and community. They were blessed with three children: Briana, Whitney, and Brett.

Mark was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was involved in his children's lives. He dedicated his time to mentoring, coaching, and encouraging them, serving as a youth basketball coach for each of his children. His greatest joy was watching his family grow and succeed.

Professionally, Mark enjoyed a successful career in the financial services industry, working for Piper, Jaffray & Hopwood and later Wells Fargo as a Financial Advisor. He retired in 2016 after many years of dedicated service to his clients and colleagues. Throughout his adult life, he enjoyed playing pick-up basketball, golf, and racquetball. He was a member of the Mankato Golf Club for more than 40 years, where he was a board member and served as a past President.

Faith was the cornerstone of Mark's life. He was a devoted member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, where he once served as Chairman of the Church Board. Mark was also committed to serving his community and dedicated his time to organizations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Vine Faith in Action, where he was a board member and served as a past President.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Susan, of 43 years; his children, Briana (Joey) Barr, Whitney (Mark) Stanke, and Brett (Sami) Olson; his cherished grandchildren, Jase and Bexley Barr, and Bryce and Robyn Olson; his siblings, Terry (Jann) Olson and Cathy Olson; extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Verne and Donna Olson; his parents-in-law, Lawrence and Armella Willaert; and other beloved family members.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Mayo Clinic Health System and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided to Mark and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.