Mark passed in Phoenix, Arizona in the early morning hours of July 4, 2024, at the age of 64. He is survived by his wife, Kristine (Tina) Diane Ohlhaver, daughter, Diana Kyrstin Ohlhaver and son, Jason Gerhard Ohlhaver, as well as grandson Jeremiah Paul Francis Hoffart, sister Erika Louise Ohlhaver, nephew Justin Andrew Blair Coletta and niece Lola Jean Ohlhaver. He is predeceased by his younger brother, Paul Theodore Ohlhaver (d. 2005) as well as his parents, Gerhard Hans Ohlhaver (d. 2021) and Dorothy Louise Ohlhaver, nee Sedlmayr (d. 2003).
Mark was born at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. During his youth, Mark traveled with his family from Michigan to New York in 1961, to New Orleans in 1966, to Australia later in 1966, back to New York in 1967, then to Dallas in 1968 and finally to London, UK in 1970. His time in London was particularly instrumental in forming his foundation of friendships, educational interests, values, and passions. Before finishing his A levels at Harrow Weald Grammar School, he moved back to the US to attend the University of Michigan where he studied Classical Archeology and met his future wife, Tina.
After UofM, Mark and Tina moved to San Jose, California where Mark held several manager positions as well as started two businesses. They subsequently relocated to Fountain Hills, Arizona in 2019 where Mark enjoyed his dream home with envious views.
Mark’s most outstanding contributions and accomplishments involved his activities outside of work. Mark was an accomplished athlete in multiple sports. He was invited to play tennis at Wimbledon when he was 17, which he declined in order to move to the US for college. Mark used his talents in sports to coach soccer and became an influential, lifelong mentor to many of the kids he coached as well as the friends of his children. He remained passionate about archeology and history and held a strong devotion to family values. Mark had a big personality in any setting and was recognized for being generous and friendly, as well as outspoken about his ideals. The most outstanding thing he is universally recognized for is his ability to make everyone in a room feel included and recognized.
Mark loved to barbecue and entertain, and to conduct discourse, debate and argue on a wide variety of topics, always aiming to enlighten, encourage, unite and uplift not only those around him, but society in general.
A celebration of his life will be held at Steins Beer Garden in Mountain View, CA on July 20, 2024 at 3:00pm, as well as at Fountain Hills Country Club in Fountain Hills, AZ on July 28, 2024 at 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (www.bbbs.org) which embraces Mark’s values and passions.
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