Marlene Joann (Narum) Olson, 91, of Scranton, ND passed away peacefully surrounded by all of her loving children on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Baptist Health and Rehab, Bismarck, ND. Funeral services for Marlene will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11 a.m. MST at Pierce Congregational Church, rural Scranton. Pastor Mary Peterson will officiate with burial to follow in Pierce Congregational Cemetery. There will be a lunch served and time for fellowship. Visitation for Marlene will be on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 12 to 4 and 5 to 9 p.m. with a Family and Friends Service at 7 p.m. at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home Chapel of Bowman, ND.

Services will be live-streamed here:

https://www.facebook.com/trevor.kulseth

Marlene was born April 2, 1934 in rural New England, ND to Anne (Christ) and Lawrence Narum. Although Marlene was
an only child, she shared many memorable times with her cousins and maintained a close relationship with them
throughout her life. She attended Connor Country School, often times riding there on her horse Tippy. She graduated
from Bowman High School in 1952. After graduation, she attended business college in Rapid City, SD. She returned
home and worked at the ASCS office in Amidon.

It was a warm sunny day on December 27, 1955 when she was united in marriage to Gordon Olson. They were blessed
with five daughters and one son. She enjoyed farm life with Gordon and raising their family on their farm north of
Scranton. As a homemaker, her many important roles included delivering meals to the field, running to town for parts,
helping move farm equipment, bookkeeping, gardening, canning, and tending to her flowerbeds. Every spring she
looked forward to picking crocuses on the hill by her childhood home. Marlene relished time spent in nature, whether
that was participating in fossil digs in southwest ND, watching birds in the yard, or walking down the country road to the
mailbox. She diligently kept daily entries in her diary from the fifth grade until just a few years ago. Her handwritten
letters and cards are treasured by friends and family.

Some of Marlene's greatest joys were camping, fishing, and traveling, having been to all 50 states and several countries.
Lifelong friendships were made along the way. She welcomed the many visitors to the farm and always had treats to
offer. She was admired for her gentle ways and graciousness, always content and never complaining. She cherished and
was very proud of her large family.

Marlene is survived by her six children: Renee (Randy) Brown, Laurie (Greg) Chuppe, Karen (Darrell) Flynn, LaVon (Rob)
Horner, Scott (Cristi) Olson, and Janelle Olson; 15 grandchildren: Eliza (Eli) Bullock, Angela Brown, Jendi (Charles) Sefcik,
Jayden (Dani) Chuppe, Brittany (Nathan) Miller, Tenille (Chris) Clarke, Mandi (Cody) Wilhelm, Jenna Flynn, Brandon
(Ashley) Flynn, Brianna Flynn, Zachary Horner, Alicia (Matt) Malevich, Lindsey (Michael) Vo, Kayla (Nathan) Price, and
Seth (Briana) Olson; 31 great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law Carol Jacobs and Shirley Strehlow; and many other family
members.

She was preceded in death by her best friend and loving husband of 67 years on March 20, 2023, Gordon; parents
Lawrence and Anne Narum; her in-laws Emery and Elsie Olson; brothers-in-law Howard Olson and Leonard Jacobs; and
sister-in-law Shirla Olson.

We want to thank the caring and supportive staff at Baptist Health and Rehab for all of their love and outstanding care
of our mom. The staff shared with us that they enjoyed her polite manner and witty banter.

We honor and remember her for her quiet strength. She will be greatly missed. Memorials may be given to Pierce
Congregational Church (Scranton, ND), Badlands Ministries (Medora, ND), Scranton First Responders (Scranton, ND), or
any organization of your choice.

The following words reflect how mom lived her life through the eyes of her family:

SIMPLE LIFE JOY

The simple life holds quiet happiness. You don't need to go far or spend much to feel joy. It's in the sound of birds, the warmth of sunlight, and a calm cup of tea. Simple moments often bring the deepest peace. When life feels heavy, slow down and return to simplicity. Disconnect from noise and busyness. The beauty of a simple life is that it reminds you – happiness is already here. You just need to notice it. Live simply, love deeply, and smile easily. That is where true joy lives.