Born: Oct. 24, 1967

Died: Dec. 1, 2012

Mark Lynn Olsen, 45, of Niles, passed away peacefully, of natural causes, surrounded by his family on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles.

He was born on Oct. 24, 1967 in South Bend to Richard Olsen and Lila J. Olsen-Bond.

Mark graduated from Niles High School class of 1986. He worked for many years at Tyler Refrigeration. After he left Tyler’s, Mark pursued a degree from Southwest Michigan College. In his spare time Mark enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, playing the Wii, listening to music and singing karaoke. He was the family mechanic and a fix-it guy, always helping others. He loved spending time with his family and friends.

Mark is survived by his former wife Reba Olsen of Dowagiac, his daughters; Ashley Olsen of Niles, Amber Olsen of Dowagiac and Kaloni (Andy) Voight of Paw Paw, a son Dale Olsen of Niles, his father Richard (Karen) Olsen of Niles, his mother Lila J. (James) Bond of Niles, a granddaughter Vegas LeeLynn Smith of Dowagiac, a sister Christine (Mike) Conklin of Dowagiac, and a brother Rick (Jane) Olsen of Niles. He is also survived by his girlfriend Whitney Smith of Niles and her children; Elizabeth (John) Casey of Elkhart, Ind., Regina and Victoria Van Gilder of Niles, along with countless other family members and friends.

In keeping with Mark’s wishes, his family will gather to celebrate his life at Brown Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 at 7 p.m. with a time of visitation beginning at 5 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mark’s memory in care of the Mark Olsen Memorial Fund No. 4756 established at Four Flags Area Credit Union 1012 S. 11th Street, Niles, Mich., 49120.

Those wishing to upload a photo or leave a message of condolence for the family may do so at our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.