Marie Selma (Nord) Olsen, age 97, was peacefully taken home to heaven on Jan. 20, 2021. She was surrounded by her loving family in Irma, Wis. Marie was born on April 2, 1923 in Trade Lake, Wis., to Gustof and Lillian (Berglund) Nord. Marie graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1941 and went on to attend teacher’s college in St. Croix Falls, Wis. Marie continued her education at Bethel College and UW-River Falls, completing her Master’s Degree at UW-Superior.
Marie married Irving E. Olsen on June 1, 1946. They lived and farmed near Cushing, Wis., where they raised their five children. Marie taught in many rural schools, including Centuria, Bass Lake, Orr School, Wolf Creek, Grantsburg and Taylors Falls before moving to Alaska in 1977. In Alaska, Marie taught north of the Arctic Circle in Fort Yukon before retiring to the Kenai Peninsula, where she enjoyed fishing, berry picking and entertaining. Marie spent her final years close to family in Grantsburg and Irma.
Marie was an avid photographer, developed her own pictures and enjoyed teaching 4-H children about photography. Her interests also included reading, researching, writing poetry, native cultures, board games, flowers and travel. Marie was active at Eureka Baptist Church and especially cherished hosting Sunday meals for friends and neighbors. She loved Jesus her Savior and enjoyed traditional hymns.
Marie is survived by her sister Betty (Paul) Frandsen of Spring Valley, Wis., and children Yvonne (Paul) Bergman of Grantsburg, Wis., Leonard (Marsha) Olsen of Frederic, Wis., Wanda Lund of The Villages, Fla., Martha (Mark) Schouweiler of Irma, and Sarah (Scott) Nelson of Altoona, Wis.
She is further survived by 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Marie was preceded in death by husbands Irving E. Olsen and Seburn Sherman, her brother Francis Nord and two granddaughters, Christina Olsen and Ruth Olsen Banitt.
Marie’s family would like to express gratitude for the love, care and support of family and hospice care workers who cared for her at home.
A memorial service will be held in the summer with a date to be determined. Krueger Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Tomahawk, assisted the family. You may view the obituary and share online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.