Obituary of Mark Alan Olson

Mark Alan Olson passed away on July 3^rd, 2024, in Pearland, Texas, at the age of 70. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Olson and Garnett (Paster) Olson and grandson, Levi. Left to cherish Mark’s memory are his son, Curtis Olson and wife Danielle; daughter, Monica Stanley and husband, Garrett; brothers, Frank Olson and Gerald Olson; sisters, Carolen Bergeron and Lenda Ziegler; grandsons, Troy and Owen; and a host of many other family and friends.

Mark was born on December 7, 1953, in Houston, Texas. He attended Pearland High School, graduating in the class of 1973. Mark met his former wife, Janet, towards the end of his High School years, and they were married in 1976. He then acquired a ball grinding business, and established Olson Grinding Inc. Mark was enormously proud of being a self-employed small business owner. He put tremendous effort into establishing his business over the course of many years.

In 1983, Mark and Janet welcomed their first child, Monica, and in 1987, they welcomed their second child Curtis. Together they raised their children in the Pearland area, until amicably separating in 1994. Mark supported Monica throughout her high school and college years and was proud to see her graduate from Texas A&M in 2005. In 2014, Curtis married his wife, Danielle, and Mark felt that he had gained a second daughter. Then, in April of 2021, Monica married her husband Garrett, and Mark gained a second son. In February of 2017, Mark got to meet his first grandson, Troy, and his second grandson, Owen was born in March of 2020. Mark was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2017, leading to an amputation, before entering remission. Unfortunately, Mark’s cancer returned some time later.

Mark was always there for his kids through all the highs and lows of their life. He supported them no matter what, but also allowed them to grow and experience their own journeys, instilling strength, humility, and perseverance in them. Mark was a straight shooter; you always knew what you were going to get from him. He was a wonderful storyteller who could connect with anyone. When Mark met someone new, it wouldn’t be long before he could call them a friend.

Mark was an avid outdoorsman. Every minute he spent outdoors was a minute well spent for Mark. Whether he was shooting sporting clays, hunting waterfowl, bowhunting, or fishing, Mark loved to be outside in nature. He made it a priority to make sure his children were exposed to the great outdoors as well, so they could experience life in the way he did. Mark was also an avid cook; he always had a new recipe he would try to get his friends and family to try. His children and grandchildren brought him so much joy in his life, more than anything, he enjoyed spending time with them. Mark will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.