Introducing Mark Olson our Independent Living Resident of the Month

Meet Mark Olson, our Independent Living resident of the month at Melody Living Lake in the Hills! We love getting to know each of our residents here at Melody Living and we hope you enjoy getting to know more about Mark.

​Born and raised in a farmhouse in rural Iowa, Mark's journey has taken him through various chapters of life, each contributing to the person he is today. 

Mark went to Iowa State University, where he studied interior design. However, his path took an unexpected turn when he received a draft letter during the Vietnam War. Putting his career on hold, Mark served in the Army for two years as Radio Teletype Support. 

Upon his return, he continued his passion for design, working at Gabbert's Furniture before venturing into opening his own design studio with a fellow coworker. He ran his studio for seven years and then decided to move towards a more fast-paced role in sales for wallpaper distributors Imperial and Thibaut. 

He treasures moments spent with his three daughters, four grandchildren, and wife, Bonnie. Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas hold a special place in his heart, as they provide an opportunity for cherished family gatherings.

Mark says that his greatest accomplishment in life would have to come down to his greatest joy and blessing, which is his family, and being thankful for everything he has. 

Some pivotal moments in history that Mark remembers most would have to be 9/11 and President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

​He says that he found himself wondering how any of it was possible and it’s still a shock that has stuck with him to this day.

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Mark's interests extend beyond design, he dabbles in woodworking, refurbishing, and puzzles. He knows a bit of Spanish and wants to learn French because of how romantic the language is. Music, however, has been a constant in Mark's life. One of Mark’s special talents is singing, he played trombone and sang in choir throughout high school. He and his brother both joined the choir in college and would often perform at different Lutheran Church communities. They even went on a national tour where they sang in the Hollywood Bowl for the Easter sunrise service, and in the Mormon Tabernacle. 

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Mark said that his family once traveled to California for Christmas and on their drive back, they stopped at San Antonio and visited the Alamo.

He enjoyed it so much that ten years later, he brought his wife back to San Antonio where they enjoyed a peaceful, slow-paced, and romantic vacation spending a lot of time on the riverwalk and taking in the scenery. 

After exploring various retirement communities, Mark and Bonnie discovered Melody Living. Impressed by the new building and the genuine warmth of the staff, they knew it was the right fit.

​Mark enjoys poker nights at Melody Living, not only for the game of chance and luck, but he really treasures the lighthearted banter and friendships he’s made with his fellow players.

His advice to others is to "Count your blessings." It's a mantra that reflects Mark's outlook on life – one of gratitude, joy, and appreciation for every moment.

As Mark continues to embrace life at Melody Living, his story serves as a reminder of the richness that comes from embracing new experiences, cherishing loved ones, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. We invite you to discover a Life in Harmony just like Mark and so many others have at Melody Living Independent Living in Lake in the Hills. Schedule a tour today by visiting our contact page or giving us a call at 847.851.4000.