Mark Robert Olsen

Mark Robert Olsen was born on May 3, 1950, in Oakland, California, to his loving parents Robert (Bob) and Ruth Olsen. Mark grew up in California along with his sisters Nancy and Patty Olsen. He married Rebecca (Becky) Ann Jury and was the proud father of Jenny Rebecca and Nathanael Mark.  Recently he delighted in being the grandfather of twins Able and Ainsley born to Nathanael and daughter-in-law Brittney LeeAnn (Johnson). On July 25, 2018, Mark entered into the glorious presence of God. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mark served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Thailand. Near the end of his military service Mark gave his life to Christ. He went on to attend Dallas Bible College where he met and married the love of his life, Becky. They were married on August 14, 1977 at Highland Baptist Church in Junction City, KS. In 1979, Mark graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible and Missions. Over the course of his life he worked as a carpenter, fabricator, avionics technician, steel worker, entrepreneur, and communications design engineer. 

Whatever he was doing, be it for an employer, family, friend, or stranger, he put a lot of thought and heart into it. It was a joy for him to work with his hands. A true craftsman, he loved to design, create and build things. This included landscaping, stained glass, remodeling his home inside and out, and creating homemade wooden toys and furniture for his children and grandchildren.  He enjoyed old trucks, jazz, watching classic comedies like the Andy Griffith show, sports, and movies (even an occasional chick-flick). Some of his favorite activities were camping and trout fishing with his family. He was particularly fond of the Colorado Mountains and traveling through the Northwest. God blessed him with a beautiful singing voice that he used with various groups such as church worship teams and Kansas Communities Navigator Ministries. His heart of worship was very apparent.

Mark loved people. He was a friend to all. His character was full of generosity, kindness, and humbleness. Serving and encouraging others was a priority to him. He genuinely cared about the details of other’s lives and prayed for them regularly. He met his own challenges in life (such as a stroke) with great fortitude. His strength came from his relationship with God. Because of his deep love for the Lord and thankfulness for his salvation, he believed strongly in the local Church. Over the past twenty-four years he has been an active member of Grace Community Church in Newton, Kansas where he served on various teams and councils and was a beloved Sunday School teacher and elder.

Mark leaves behind a trail of touched lives, a legacy of love.