Mark Allan Olson

Mark Olson, a beloved husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, brother, loyal friend, skilled barber, and beyond creative man passed away peacefully on August 26th 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester MN.

Mark was born on July 1st, 1957 to George and Floy Olson in Albert Lea MN. Mark was one of seven children. Growing up could only be described as cherished chaos. In a house full of fun and laughter at holidays to very memorable family camping trips.

Mark met Paula and the two were joined in marriage on September 27th, 1980. The two were blessed with three wonderful children.

Mark found his calling behind the barber chair, where he did much more than cut hair. He listened, shared stories and built friendships. His shop was a place of community where everyone was welcome.

Mark loved to surround himself with his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them do the things they loved, no matter what it was. He let his creative side out, helping his grandchildren with numerous wood projects, flowers, building rockets or with whatever they asked him for help with.

Mark loved volunteering as a 4H adult leader, for organizing soup and pie suppers at the church, being a trustee at the church, and many years managing the Livestock Producers Stand at the fair. He also showed off his creative side building sets for the school plays, decorating for proms, as well as decorating for the weddings of all of his children and numerous other family friends. He was also gifted with a green thumb and there were always beautiful flowers around.

His legacy lives on in the countless people whose lives he touched with conversation, a laugh and sometimes a prank, or a perfectly cut head of hair.

He is survived by his wife, Paula. Children: Bjorn (Stefanie) Olson, Christopher (Melissa) Olson, and Stephani (Jesse) Harrang. Grandchildren: Jazmine, Alexis, Gavin, Caitlin, Clayton and Gunnar Olson and his adopted granddaughter Amaya Harmening. His beloved puppy Chewy and numerous grand-dogs. Siblings: Gloria Olson and Tami (Danny) Davidson. Brother-in-laws David Engen (Greg Murphy), Richard (Shawna) Engen. Along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents George (Floy) Olson. Mother and father-in-law Clayton (Marie) Engen. Siblings Robert Olson, Michael Olson, Julie Manuel, Georgann and Richard Trytten. Along with numerous aunts and uncles.

Visitation will take place on September 3rd from 5pm-7pm at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the chruch.

Funeral services will be held on September 4th at First Lutheran Church in Glenville, MN at 11:00am, with Pastor Eileen Woyen officiating. Family, friends, and members of the community are invited to attend and share memories of a man who made the world a little better, one person at a time.