After a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s, Mark Olance passed away on April 23, 2026, 8 days after his 72nd birthday.

If you knew Mark for even a short while, you would have experienced his extreme level of expertise in nearly everything he did. Mark’s strong work ethic was a guiding force in his life. Mark never stopped learning. His quiet confidence and ability to accomplish anything encouraged others to do the same. Mark had a genuine love to share knowledge and empowered people to have bold ideas and carry them out.

Mark’s projects could be seen and appreciated by all. His attention to detail and endless energy was a huge blessing to his family and friends. Throughout her 41 years of teaching, his wife Renee would always bring classroom ideas to Mark, and he would be the mastermind that brought them to life. If you needed a deck, or chicken coop he’d be there with his hammer. Need help to fabricate a part or create a one-of-a-kind gift? He’d help you design and build it. And during the entire process, he’d never slow down and never need a break. The Energizer Bunny would quit before Mark Olance. Mark left his imprint not only on everyone’s heart but on the projects he helped create.

Mark and Renee were together for 51 years, married 47. They have three children,14 grandchildren, and a special Golden Retriever named Lily. Joshua and Hillary Olance live in Arizona with their three children (Grant, Olivia and Gage). Courtney and Deryl Garland live in Michigan and have nine children (Abigail, Ella, Annabelle, Sydney, Carter, Tato, OB, Lydia and Miles). Ashley and Alex Bakos live in Michigan and have two children (Norah and Harper).

Mark loved his family fiercely. “Papa”, as most of the grandchildren called him, loved to be surrounded by his family teaching them how to do practical things like home improvement projects and vehicle maintenance but also fun things like fishing, archery, wood working, swimming, snorkeling and how to be adventurous. He was always up for anything the kids wanted to do, and he was never too tired to play a game, draw, or do a puzzle with his grandkids. Winter sled rides behind Mark’s beloved John Deere tractor, “Johnny”, were much anticipated by the grandchildren. If Mark was eating a meal, you can bet at least one kiddo would be mooching off his plate and he willingly shared anything he had. At the same time, Papa was known to yell, “MOOSE”, in an attempt to distract the children, and sneak something off their plate. His light-hearted sense of humor made him a fun guy to be around.

Mark’s adventurous spirit was contagious and he led his family on numerous family vacations. As a private pilot Mark flew his family to the Bahamas twice as well as several other states. His children enjoyed riding in the co-pilot seat and learning “how to fly”. Creating animal creatures in the sand was a family tradition that has continued to find its way into every family beach vacation.