Marlys Elaine (Olson) Chell passed away Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023. She was 94 years and 27 days young. She and her husband, Donald, recently celebrated 75 years of marriage.
She was born to Ernest and Mildred (Erickson) Olson on July 17, 1929, in Minneapolis. When she was 4 years old, her family moved to Grantsburg where she met the love of her life and longtime mate, Donald Chell, in their sophomore year of high school. Together they raised their six children, Jeanne, Michael, Bruce, Ernest, Jeffrey and David.
Marlys loved taking care of her family, raising a garden and canning vegetables and making jelly and jam for the coming winters. She also loved to bake chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting for her family, friends and neighbors. She supported her boys in sports at school, taught Jeanne to cook and sew, along with other activities including 4-H, Farmers Union, church and more. Square dancing, reading, crocheting and knitting were other activities she liked to take part in. For many years she also helped in the nursery at church. She loved camping and fishing, especially in Canada. She also worked 20 years for the Grantsburg School District as a cook.
She was preceded in death by her son, Ernest; her parents; brothers, Virgil and Emmons and their wives; along with many friends and neighbors.
She is survived by her husband, Donald; daughter, Jeanne (Duane) Lee; sons, Michael (Donna) Chell, Bruce (Tammy) Chell, Jeffrey (Julie) Chell and David (Ellen) Chell; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; along with other family, friends and neighbors.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m., with visitation from 10-11 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Falun. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First Baptist Church of Falun or Party for a Lifetime.
Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg. Online condolences can be made at swedberg-taylor.com.
