Mark Olesen

OFFICIANT
Rodger Wenzlaff
SPECIAL MUSIC
 “Amazing Grace” by George Jones
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
Mark LeRoy Olesen was born on June 24, 1945 to LeRoy and Phyllis Olesen in Yankton, South Dakota. He was raised on the family farm west of Viborg where he went to country school and later graduated from Freeman Academy. In October 1965, Mark was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Ft. Myer, Virginia and went on to attain the rank of E4. On August 19, 1967, during his time of service, he married Savella Gayle and they had two children, Mark and Tamara. In 1972, Mark and his family moved back to South Dakota and began farming west of Viborg until his retirement in 1991.
In 1991, Mark moved to Yankton where he later met Mary Neuharth and they were married in 1995. Mark will always be remembered for his cowboy boots, western hat, sense of humor, and stories from the “good ol’ days.” He loved spending time with his grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, his cat Spooker, and his family and friends. Mark had a love for travel, as he would say, “I saw it all in the 50 states, except Hawaii.” Mark and Savella traveled all of Europe and Mark and Mary traveled throughout Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Mark recently became a “snowbird” and spent time the last two winters in Arizona with his mother where they made many friends and loved the warmer weather. He also loved to listen to the songs of the legendary country singer, George Jones.
Mark passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at the Veteran’s Hospital in Sioux Falls after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 71.
He is survived by his wife Mary Olesen; son Mark (Nicole) Olesen; daughter Tamara Olesen (Harvey); grandchildren: Nicholas, Elizabeth, and Amelia; his mother Phyllis Olesen; brothers: Garland, Burnell (Mary), David, LeRoy Jr. (Brandi); sisters: Mary (Rodger) Wenzlaff, Blanche (Allen) Vannorsdel, Peggy (Dave) Martin, Bonnie (Dave) Hubbs, and Brenda Olesen (Dan Hauser); former sister-in-law Michele;  and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, brother Tim, niece Candice Olesen, his first wife Savella, and his father-in-law Philip Neuharth Jr.
In lieu of plants, if desired, please make
a donation to “Dreams for Veterans” program.

6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Goglin Funeral Home
Yankton, South Dakota
MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS
Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791 and the
South Dakota National Guard
Funeral Honors Guard
In lieu of plants, if desired, please make a donation to “Dreams for Veterans” program.