Mark Olaf Nelson, 61, son of Merle and MaryAnn (Dahle) Nelson, died Saturday, April 5, 2014, from complications of diabetes while away in Emmett, Idaho.

Born on Oct. 13, 1952, in Austin, Minn., Mark grew up in Rose Creek, Minn. In 1970, Mark graduated from Rose Creek High School and continued his studies in science at Mankato State University where he graduated in 1974. He married the love of his life, Michelle McCall, of Mankato, Minn., on June 29, 1974. Later, they moved their small family to the Seattle, Wash., area where they have been living for the past 36 years. Mark was an active employee at the Boeing Company in Renton, Wash., where he worked as a manufacturing engineer in Engineering Design Methods & Knowledge – Design Tools & Processes until his passing.

Known for his quick smile and his great sense of humor, Mark was an active nature enthusiast and an active Mariners’ and Seahawks’ fan. His favorite past-times were playing cribbage, exploring nearby beaches, nature, bird-watching, and working in the yard. Also, he enjoyed traveling to warm and exotic locations. He was a loving husband and father as well as a doting grandfather. Never was he happier than when he was spending time with his family and friends. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.

Mark is survived by his wife, Michelle, of almost 40 years; two sons, Aaron (Lisa Carrigan) Nelson of Sumner, Wash.; and Kyle (Krystle Highsmith) Nelson of Newport News, Va.; five grandchildren: Isaac (16), Morgan (14), Alexander (12), Xavier (5), and Kalen (4) Nelson;  his father, Merle Nelson of Austin; siblings, Neil (Leslie Hagen) Nelson of Richfield, Minn.; Lori (Dale) Siegfreid of Austin; and Bryce (Kellie Reuter) Nelson of Rose Creek, Minn.; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, MaryAnn; and grandparents, Helmer and Ronelia (Easton) Nelson and Ole and Ella (Asklakson) Dahle.

Visitation will before 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, at Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church in Lyle, with a one hour visitation before the service. Pastor Lydia Mittag will be officiating. Interment will be at Six Mile Grove Lutheran Cemetery.