Mark Lindstrom, 79

Mark Lindstrom passed away April 15, 2025, in Missoula, Mont., at the age of 79.

Mark was born to Philip and Isobel Lindstrom in Wallace, Idaho, on Oct. 10, 1945. He attended school in Burke, Idaho, through the second grade, continued in Wallace through the sixth grade, then moved to Moab, Utah, where he graduated from high school in 1963.

After attending the University of Utah, Mark returned to Wallace, where he met his future wife, Karol Olkonen of Mullan, on a double-date sleigh ride at the “Interstate.” He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August of 1966. Mark and Karol were married April 22, 1967, and one week later, he shipped out to Okinawa and then served in Vietnam. He returned home in June of 1968, and he and Karol spent the remainder of his active duty in Santa Ana, Calif. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal (E-4) in August 1969.

They returned to Wallace, Idaho, where Mark worked at the Star Mine and began their family. He then made use of the G.I. Bill and attended the University of Idaho, but after a year, he returned to his true passion — mining. They settled in Mullan, where they lived for 47 years, raised their children, and spent their best years together.

During tough times in the mining industry, Mark worked in various mines in Montana and Superior, Arizona. He eventually returned to Mullan, where he worked as a shift boss at the Lucky Friday Mine until his retirement in 2011.

Mark enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, golfing, having a beer with friends, spending time with family and sitting in his recliner reading a good book.

He was a loving husband and father — a truly good man who found the best in others. He always made a point to know a little about everyone he met. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karol, of Missoula, Mont.; his son, Scott, and wife Lesa of Nampa, Idaho; his daughter, Shayla, and husband Jason Suchecki of Missoula; and his son, Alex, and wife Amanda of Missoula. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Connor and his wife, Bernadette, Carson, Anders, and his favorite granddaughter, Claire. He recently became a great-grandfather to Elsie Liv.

Mark is also survived by his sister Rena and husband Dean Christensen of Gardnerville, Nev.; his brother Dean and wife Shirley Lindstrom of Turah, Mont.; his sister Sara and husband Rob Buckham of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; his brother-in-law, Mark, and wife Billie Olkonen of Bremerton, Wash.; his brother-in-law, Mick Olkonen, and sister-in-law Kay Payton of Mullan, Idaho; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Wallace Elks No. 331, Mullan Volunteer Fire Department, Mullan Friends of the Library, Mullan Museum, Mullan Community Foundation or Pottsville Park Fund.

A family graveside service will be held at a later date. Friends, please drop by the Outlaw on May 10 at 3 p.m. to have a beer on Mark.