Marian E Elness

Marian Edith (Johnson) Elness was born December 13, 1927 to parents Gustav and Amy (Johnson) Johnson. She was baptized and confirmed at Lake Chippewa Covenant Church in rural Garfield. Marian graduated from Alexandria in 1944 and was Valedictorian of her class. After high school she attended North Park College in Chicago, IL with a friend, Pearla, who later became her sister-in-law. Marian married Lester Olson on July 27, 1949 at her parents’ home near Garfield. They spent the early years of their marriage in Alexandria and Riverdale, ND where Lester worked on the Garrison Dam. Later they moved to Calumet City, IL where he drove truck for Quality Carriers. During those years, Marian was a full time homemaker and always active in her children's lives. She went to many Little League baseball games to cheer for her boys and was a Cub Scout den mother. Many wonderful memories were made making crafts and going to scout jamborees. She also loved sewing beautiful Barbie clothes for her daughters. In 1966 they moved back to the Olson family farm near Garfield. They had a successful dairy business where Marian loved her cows. She took great pride in the dairy herd and thoroughly enjoyed her work in the barn. She was an active 4-H leader and taught her daughters and others to sew. She enjoyed many years of taking calves to the Douglas County Fair, going to the dress review, and working in the 4-H food stand. In 1982 Marian was united in marriage to Curt Elness and moved to Westminster CA. She adapted well to her new life and enjoyed growing roses, a variety of cacti, oranges, apricots, and lemons as well as being a volunteer secretary at Wesminster Lutheran Church. In 1999 they retired back in Garfield and purchased the Elness family farm. Her grandchildren will remember her for sending them special birthday boxes and sewing Barbie clothes for her granddaughters as well as lots of other doll clothes and blankets. She loved spending time working in her beautiful flower beds and studying her heritage, making beautiful scrapbooks. She made every effort to attend the activities of her grandchildren and was their greatest fan. After her husband's death she moved to the Senator in Alexandria where she lived until recently. Marian was very proud of her Swedish heritage and enjoyed being part of the Swedish Club in Alexandria. Marian died on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria at the age of 86. She is survived by her children Eric (Sharon) Olson of Omaha, NE, Stuart (Jolene) Olson of Alexandria, Jennifer (Tom) Harris of Kunkletown, PA, Janine Paradee of Osakis, and Bradley (Deb) Olson of Glendive, MT; 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; sister Ardy Anderson of Golden Valley; brothers Dwight Johnson of Blaine and Ron (Marlene) Johnson of Beaverton, OR; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marian was preceded in death by her parents Gustav and Amy; husband, Curt; and infant, daughter, Elizabeth; and sister, Muriel Visness. A memorial service was held Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at Church for the Harvest with Reverend Michael Bartolomeo officiating. Inurnment was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in rural Garfield. Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

Marian E Elness

December 13, 1927 - November 1, 2014