She was born on December 31, 1948, in Bode, Iowa to Martha (Frost) and Oscar Hagen, and grew up in Northfield, WI. After graduating from Whitehall High School, she attended the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire and studied to become a teacher. She married Russ Olson on August 21st, 1971 and they moved to the northern suburbs of Minneapolis where they spent time in Mounds View and Coon Rapids, and she later moved independently to New Brighton.
Marlene worked in sales support for a number of companies in the lumber industry, spending most of that time with Scherer Bros Lumber before retiring in July 2017. She was an avid supporter of any sport or activity that her grandkids were participating in and was in the audience for every game, concert or awards ceremony. She was an amazing mother/sister/aunt/grandma and friend, and was always there for anyone that needed a helping hand or a dog-sitter.
She was preceded in passing by her husband Russ, her mother Martha and father Oscar; brother Orville and sisters Delores and Marcia; mother-in-law Iola and father-in-law Arnold.
Marlene is survived by her children, Jeff (Reva) Olson of Shakopee, MN and Becky (Dave) Marier of Coon Rapids, MN; grandchildren, Jacob, Chloe and Isaiah Olson, Ryan Marier, and favorite grand-dog Poncho; siblings, sister Elaine Schulze of Omaha, NE, sister-in law Lynda Hagen of Hixton, WI, brother Orland (Patricia) Hagen of Northfield, WI, brother Jewell (Julie) Hagen of Alma Center, brother-in-law Stewart of Warrensburg, MO, and Roger (Trudy) Hagen of Hixton, WI. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
The family would like to thank the team at the Kidney Specialists of Minnesota, Brooklyn Center Clinic and the SCU and 2W teams at Unity Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion.
Join us to celebrate Marlene's life on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN. Visitation begins at 10 am with service at 11:30 am and luncheon to follow. Interment will take place at 2 pm at Morningside Memorial Gardens in Coon Rapids.
