Marcus “Marky” Olaveson
Feb. 14, 1932-May 7, 2024
Rugby
Marcus “Marky” Olaveson was born on February 14, 1932 to Helmer and Mabel (Johnson) Olaveson, at Torrence, California. He was baptized into the Presbyterian Church. He passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on May 7, 2024 at the Lakota VA Nursing Home under the care of his family and hospice.
Marc attended grade school in Lomita, California before moving with his family to Rugby in 1945 to farm alongside Grandpa Olaveson. They purchased their own farm in 1949.
After graduating from Rugby High School in 1951, Marc continued farming before entering the service in the early 1960’s. He attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and was later called into active duty.
Marc returned home, after service, to continue ranching and farming with his dad and brother, Richard. His brother, Johnny had gone into the service, married and established his home in California with his wife, Margaret, and two children, Richard and Robert. Marc lost his Dad in 1984, Johnny in 1986, and Richard in 1987 leaving him and his mother to continue on the farm.
He attended Knox Community Church and later on Assembly of God church in Rugby. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion and a member of the Sons of Norway.
Marc was an excellent gardener and loved his auction sales. He enjoyed fishing and hunting trips in the Badlands with friends from Rolla. He also enjoyed visiting with and helping his neighbors.
He retired from farming in 1990 and cared for his mother until she passed away in 1996.
For the next 25 years, he enjoyed the companionship of Pat Robbins and her family. They enjoyed traveling to the Black Hills, the Badlands, Canada, several national parks, and many other places. He also remained connected with his nephews, Richard and Robert, despite the physical distance.
Marc will be deeply missed by his nephews, Richard (Pam) Olaveson, Mission Viejo, California, Robert (Michelle) Olaveson, Yermo, California, companion, Pat Robbins (Rugby), her daughter, Karen (John) Arlien (Bismarck) and grandsons Jared (Amber) Arlien (Rugby), Ethan Arlien (Rugby), Keenan (Michelle) Arlien (Rollette). Marc was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sister-in-law, and Pat’s son, J.P. Robbins.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby with full military honors and burial will be at a later date in the Persilla Watts Cemetery, Rugby. Pastor Nathan Steen, officiating.
Music By: Arlene Johnson & Pastor Steen, Dennis & Candy Fred
Lunch & Fellowship: beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Dakota Farms on Highway 3 in Rugby.
Urn Bearers: Nephews, Richard & Robert Olaveson & Grandsons, Jared, Ethan & Keenan Arlien
Honorary Bearers: His Friends, Neighbors & Hunters
Military Honors Accorded by: Clarence Larson American Legion Post #23 Honor & Color Guard, Rugby, North Dakota and the North Dakota Military Funerals Honors Detail
Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online Condolences: www.funeralsbyanderson.com
Published by The Pierce County Tribune, May 18, 2024.