Obituaries

Marlene Joy (Martinson) Olsen, age 90, of St. Ignace, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. She was born on February 14, 1936, in Crystal Falls, Michigan, to Martin and Crystal Martinson.

Marlene grew up in Crystal Falls and graduated from Forest Park High School in 1953. Following graduation, she worked as a bookkeeper for the Finnish and Swedish Mercantile Corporation. On September 7, 1957, she married her sweetheart, Gary. After Gary graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1958, the couple moved to St. Ignace, Michigan, where Gary taught school for 32 years. Once their four children were school-aged, Marlene began working for St. Ignace Area Schools, where she spent 23 years as a cook and teacher’s aide.

Marlene was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church. Throughout the years, she served as a Sunday school teacher, served on the church council, and helped prepare church lunches. She enjoyed being involved in her community and especially loved watching her children and grandchildren participate in sporting events, school programs, and other school activities.

Marlene enjoyed cooking, sewing, crafting, tending to her flowers, and watching the birds. She was especially known for her homemade banana bread, which she lovingly shared with family and friends. Each Christmas, she made an impressive 30 pounds of fudge to give away during the holiday season, spreading sweetness and joy to those around her.

Marlene is survived by her sons, Mark (Colleen) Olsen, Brian (Trudy) Olsen, and Jon (Connie) Olsen; and her son-in-law, Lin Marolf. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Robert, Daniel, Kristen, Mariah, Erik, Madison, Gunnar, Courtney, Lauren, and Rebecca; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Olyvia, Cameron, Caleb, and Elle; sisters-in-law, Dorothea Martinson and Mae Olsen; special friends, Diane Nelson, Dolly Bunno, and Glenn and Bonnie Flinn; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Gary Olsen; her daughter, Joy Marolf; her granddaughter, Sarah Marolf; her parents, Martin and Crystal Martinson; her sisters, Judith Martinson and Charlotte (Paul) Nelson; her brother, Donald Martinson; her parents-in-law, Harold and Lettie Olsen; and her brothers-in-law, Harold (Ardith) Olsen and Harding Olsen.

In 2019, Marlene was honored at a basketball game for reaching an extraordinary milestone: 30 years as a breast cancer survivor. Reflecting on her journey, she shared these heartfelt words: “Life has been good…wonderful husband and family. No regrets.” Her words beautifully reflect a life filled with love, gratitude, and the strength to embrace each day.

Marlene’s final resting place will be Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls, Michigan, returning her to the community where her life began.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Family Life Funeral Homes, 999 S. State Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781. A memorial service will follow immediately at 12:00 noon.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.