Mark Olmstead

Mark Wayne Olmstead, 67, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday December 9, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loved ones under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Mark was born on April 1st, 1951, to Patrick and Irene (Monson) Olmstead in Moorhead, MN.  He graduated from Fargo North High School with the class of 1969.  On January 5, 1970, he enlisted with United States Army. He proudly served in the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged on January 5, 1972.

On May 20, 1978, Mark was united in marriage to LaDonna York and they resided in Detroit Lakes.  Mark had a passion for over the road trucking.  He worked for Paulson Trucking of Lake Park, MN, and Minn-Dak Transport until his retirement in 2002.

In 1983 Mark sought an interest in getting a menswear fashion merchandising degree from the Detroit Lakes Technical College in Detroit Lakes, MN.  After graduating, he worked a short time at Norby’s Department store in Detroit Lakes. He also received an accounting degree from the Detroit Lakes Technical College in 1990.  After graduating with his accounting degree, he began working for Bergman Plumbing for three years.

Mark grew up playing hockey, enjoyed fishing and photography, strumming his guitar, and loved to share stories of his Vietnam days.

Mark is survived by his wife of 40 years, LaDonna; daughters: Shawna Avila of Detroit Lakes and Jessica (Travis) Johnson of Roseau; grandchildren: Sadie, Mikayla, Alec, Addyson and Ty; Mother: Irene Olmstead of Fargo, ND; Sister: Trish Olmstead ( Wayne Ramsey); Brothers: Charles (Grietje) Olmstead of Saunderstown, RI, and Timothy Olmstead of Fargo, ND; Aunt: Ruth Martinson of Carrington, ND; Many nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father Patrick; Brother: Daniel Olmstead; sister in-law Theresa Olmstead.

Visitation will be on Thursday December 13, 2018, at the David-Donehower Funeral Home from 5:30-7:30pm with a 7 pm prayer service. Funeral service will be held on Friday December 14, 11am, at Lake Eunice Evangelical Free Church in Detroit Lakes, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota at www.dav.org

Visitation will be held on Thursday December 13 at David-Donehower Funeral Home from 5:30-7:30 pm, with a 7pm Prayer Service. Funeral services for Mark will be held on Friday December 14 at 11 am at Lake Eunice Evangelical Free Church,rural Detroit Lakes. Visitation will also continue one hour prior to the service.