Mark Joseph Olkowski passed away from illness on Feb. 13, 2025. Mark was born Nov. 3, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, to Joseph and Dorothy Dawicki Olkowski. In 1965, Mark traveled to San Jose, California, along with his eight siblings by car as his father took a new job.

Mark attended Leland High School and entered the U.S. Marine Corp in May, 1969. He served in Vietnam and won a Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal in November, 1970. After the military, he married Michelle Fine. During their marriage, they adopted Sandra Olkowski while the couple still lived in San Jose. They later moved to San Andreas, California.

Mark started climbing telephone poles with Gill Cable, but soon he was hired with PG&E. He worked with high voltage wiring on towers; he was dubbed a “high wire artist” by the San Jose Mercury News. He continued working for PG&E until a fall from a tower forced him to early retirement. Mark later moved to Oceans Shores, Washington, where he helped his brother Paul with a restaurant business.

Mark was known for his generous spirit especially to his nieces and nephews. He was a tough man who endured pain but always offered help to a friend in need. Mark’s sense of humor was corny and off-beat, but he could usually make people smile.

Mark’s mother and father passed away in 1973 and 2000 respectively. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra of Sacramento. He is also survived by his remaining eight siblings: David, Karen, Paul, Linda, Diane, Tammy, Joe, and Tom. He’s the first to pass of the siblings collectively known as The Nine. He has numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Mark’s ashes will be laid to rest with military honors on May 19, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to attend. A Zoom link will be available upon request to markzoomrequest@gmail.com.