Marcus "Mark" Olson

Marcus "Mark" M. Olson, 98, of Peoria, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Buehler Home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on October 9, 1927, in Marquette, Michigan, Mark was the son of Frank and Ida (Anttila) Olson. He married the love of his life, M. Elaine Stolpe, on September 16, 1947. Elaine preceded him in death on October 24, 1996.
Mark is survived by his son, Michael P. (Laurie) Olson of Peoria; daughters, Susan I. Brady of Edwards, Jane A. (Mark) Golowski of Peoria, and Patti L. (Bob) Keegan of Germantown Hills; 15 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren, with 3 more expected in 2026; sister in law, Helen Olson; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two sons, Richard M. "Ric" Olson and Joseph A. Olson; two infant grandchildren, Derek and Lindsay Olson; son in law, Gerald "Jerry" Brady, Jr.; sisters, Ruth and Virginia; and eight brothers, Wesley, Allan, Paul, Gordon, Edward, Roy, Ted, and Weldon.
Mark earned his bachelor's degree in engineering from Michigan Tech University, where he played hockey and was named MVP for three seasons. He later received his master's degree in engineering from Bradley University. In 1963, he moved from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Peoria, where he began his career at Caterpillar as an electrical engineer in defense products, retiring in 1986.
A pioneer in youth hockey, Mark was instrumental in establishing programs in Escanaba, Michigan, and later in Central Illinois. He co founded the Peoria Blades with Pete BardezBanian and remained deeply involved in the sport throughout his life. He was a past president and lifetime member of the Independent Sports Club of Peoria, as well as a lifetime member of the Old Timers Baseball Association and the Rivermen Booster Club.
Mark was honored with numerous Hall of Fame inductions, including the Michigan Tech Athletic Hall of Fame, Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame, Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame, Peoria Rivermen Hall of Fame, and the Greater Peoria Area Sports Hall of Fame, where he also received the Neve Harms Award. He served as a high school, college, and amateur hockey referee, and proudly officiated an NCAA Division I Final Four Championship Game.
In his youth, Mark learned the art of log rolling and became a three time world champion in the junior division, later earning multiple second place finishes in the senior division.
Above all, Mark was a devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, and uncle. Known affectionately as "Gramps" or "Grandpa," he was famous for sending handwritten cards and letters filled with encouragement and his trademark advice: "Work hard and keep plugging."
A proud veteran of the United States Army, Mark and his family were grateful for the care and support he received from the Veterans Administration. His family also extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Buehler Home for their compassion and dedication.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Peoria Heights, IL. Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 12, 2026, also at the church, with a one hour prior visitation. Fr. Daniel Dionesotes and Fr. Leo Mushobozi will officiate. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Peoria Youth Hockey Association to support Learn to Play programs and scholarships.
Tributes and condolences may be shared at www.wrightandsalmon.com.