Marlene Kay (Olson) Hjeldness died Wednesday October 21, 2020 peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

Marlene was born on April 22, 1956 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota to Clarence and Clara (Timm) Olson. She grew up and attended schools in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High school with the class of 1974. Following graduation, she attended UND and received both her Bachelors' and Masters' Degree's in Nursing. She later graduated from the Nurse Practitioner Program in 1996.

She met the love of her life Robert Hjeldness in 1988. They were married on September 3, 1992 in Deadwood, South Dakota. They made their home in Oslo, Minnesota before moving to East Grand Forks. They welcomed their three children through foster care, and then later through adoption. April was adopted in 1997 at two years old, Ruthie was adopted in 1999 at two and half years old, Michael was adopted in 2001 at the age of two.

Marlene loved to spend time with family, going to the lake and going on trips. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, doing jig-saw puzzles, crossword puzzles and playing the piano and viola.

Marlene was a strong and courageous woman. Many knew of the struggles she endured over the last 35 years with her health but remained positive and faithful.

She was an amazing wife, mom, sister, aunt and a friend to many. Our hearts and home will feel quite empty without her.

Marlene was strong in her faith and very active in Thrive church. Volunteering for home delivered meals and hosting Grow Groups at her church. Marlene left an impression on all that knew her. She was so encouraging to all, she always made you feel so special, and would turn the spotlight away from herself.

Marlene is survived by her loving husband, Robert, children April, Ruthie and Michael, and her furry friend Roman. Sisters Clarice Olson (Jim Hunt) and Helen (Rory) Anderson, brothers John (Delores) Olson, Charlie (Pam) Olson, Billy (Julie) Olson. Brother and Sister in Laws; Mike (MonaRae) Hjeldness, Kim (Jim) Bright. Sister in law Sheila Olson. Niece and Nephews; John Olson Jr. (Karen), James (Athena) Olson, Courtney (Khaled) Rashed, Josh (Kelly) Torgerson, Keith (Marcela) Anderson, Kyle (Carrie) Anderson, Chris Olson (Ara), Callie (Bryton) Wagner, Robin (Jeremy), Robby (Angie) Anderson, Katie (Billy) Grogg, Matt (Kasey) Olson, Brandon (Ashley) Olson. Tina (Brent) Slaton, Tamra (Gene) Hauser, Dana (Anna) Hjeldness. Grand Nieces and Nephews; Youssef Rashed, Olivia and Nolan Torgerson, Rylan Wagner, Cooper, Marley, Spencer and Weston Anderson, Bryson and Carson Olson, Logan, Bentley, and Camilla Anderson, Ben and Emily Grogg, and Brooks and Crosby Olson.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Clara, brother Bob Olson, sister Linda Olson, sister-in-law Jane Josephson, nephews Patrick Olson and Chris Hjeldness.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Marlene's memory to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Visitation: Due to COVID-19, the visitation will be a walk-thru from 4:00-6:00 PM, Sunday, October 25, 2020 at Thrive Church, 1720 S. Washington Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201. Everyone in attendance will be asked to wear a face-covering and observe social distancing. Masks will be provided, if needed.

Funeral: Due to COVID-19, the funeral service will be PRIVATE, but will be live-streamed for anyone who'd like to watch at Dahl Funeral Home's Facebook page at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 26, 2020.

Burial: Graveside service is open to all at 1:00 PM, Monday, October, 26, 2020 at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.