Mardella Olson

Mardella Olson

Mardella OlsonMardella M. Olson age 75 of Dovray passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 2, 2018 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, due to complications after a motor vehicle accident.  Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Westbrook Funeral Home, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.  Interment is in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery.  Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mardella was born April 24, 1943 in Windom, MN to Gustav & Anna (Wolter) Gertner.  She was baptized and confirmed at Rosehill Lutheran Church.  Mardella attended country school before graduating from Westbrook High School in 1961.  She then attended Waldorf College in Forest City, IA where she sang and traveled with their choir.  On April 18, 1963, Mardella was united in marriage to Bob Olson at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook.  Together the couple lived and farmed south of Dovray, where they raised their children.  After the kids were older, Mardella began working as a nurse’s aide at the Westbrook Good Samaritan Care Center.  There she worked for nearly 25 years.  Mardella also volunteered at the Dovray Café.  She was famous for her caramel rolls, and loved having coffee with the ladies in town.  She kept busy sewing and made many bridesmaid dresses.  Mardella was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where she served on the church council and the WELCA, sang at many services, and did quilting.  She was a member of the Dovray Legion Auxiliary and Boosters Club.  Mardella enjoyed traveling and winters in Phoenix.  She also enjoyed golf, bowling, and gardening.  She loved spending time with her family and attending all of her grandchildren’s activities.

Mardella is survived by her husband Bob Olson of 55 y-ears; children: Becky (Dan) Sukalski of North Mankato, Nancy (Mark) Boerboom of Slayton & Butch (Sherry) Olson of Dovray; grandchildren: Alex (Devin) Sukalski, Danielle Sukalski (special friend Matt Bulger), Jaden Boerboom (special friend Delaney Fanslau), Camryn, Noah, & Savanna Boerboom, Jamie Olson (special friend Kody Kirsh) and Mariah Olson (special friend Sam Baier); great grandson Parker Sukalski; siblings: Darwin (Dorothy) Gertner of St. Peter, Elroy (Dot) Gertner of Papillion, NE, & Corlys (Bob) Knudson of Marshall; sisters in law: Janice Gertner of Walnut Grove, Betty Gertner of Eau Claire, WI, Karyl Gertner of Westbrook, Lois (Dan) Masters of Cambridge, OH, & Marlys (Duane) Flikke of Elk River; and many other relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Rodney, Willis and Arlo Gertner.

13 thoughts on “Mardella Olson”

  1. Our deepest sympathy to Bob & family. We are thinking of you hope you can find comfort in your memories. Hugs!! Craig & Deb Jans

  2. I am so sorry to hear of her unexpected passing! I’m Sheila’s friend and flew out this past summer, & of course, met Mardella! I could tell right away what a wonderful person she was! Her smile, her positive energy and spunk drew me in! Over the course of 2-3 days, I felt a friendship forming! She will deeply be missed…

  3. Our sincere sympathy to Bob and family and loved ones on the unexpected loss of Mardella. She was such a kind and caring person. God Be with you.
    Steve and Mary Larson

  4. Eunice Christensen

    Bob and Family…….It is difficult to find words to express how shocked and saddened I was to hear of Mardella’s passing. She was loved and admired by all her knew her. Ronnie was her second cousin (through the Gertners). Whenever he was clothes shopping, and knew that what he was buying would have to be altered, he would say. “I’ll just take it to Mardella. She can fix ANYTHING!” The last things she sewed for me was an edge around a special handmade quilt that needed a new edging, and she altered a dress for me to wear to my granddaughter’s wedding in Texas. Mardella had SO many talents, and contributed much to her family, her church, and her community. May you all be blessed as you cherish your memories of happy times with this loving, talented, marvelous lady. Sincerely, Eunie Christensen

  5. Our heartfelt sympathy to Bob and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
    Jerry and Irene Moline

  6. My sympathies to you all. She was a dear, sweet lady and shared a smile and encouraging word with me every time we met. Prayers for comfort and peace and sweet memories.

  7. I keep thinking of your family with this unexpected loss of such a wonderful Mom/Grandma. My heartfelt sympathy.

  8. Keith and Judie Weinzetl

    Bob and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time. Marcella gave you all so many wonderful memories to be able draw on in the future and make you smile again.

  9. Mardella, thank you for always making our residents at Good Sam look so beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time, Mark and Sherry! Love, Chee Her

  10. Petra and Robbert

    Words cannot express what robbert and I feel. Just 1 1/2 months ago we saw each other again after 29 years and had a wunderful time we will never forget. And now you are gone, but still in our hearts. Who can forget such a warm energetic caring person as you are Mardella. You inspire us and will be remembered always. Dear dear family take care in this difficult time. We will keep in contactt. Big hugs Petra and Robbert

  11. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
    Loren and Alice (Zens) Larson Alexandria MN

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