Marlys Ileen (Olson) Fossen, 84, received her angel wings on July 23, 2015 at Eventide Nursing Home in Jamestown, ND. Her life began on May 28, 1931 when she was born in Harvey, ND to Oliver and Anna (Eggum) Olson, who resided in East Fork Township. She had 3 older brothers and went to school at Arne school, the Thomes School in East Fork Township, Heimdal School and graduated from Fessenden High School on May 28, 1948. She was confirmed at the Klara Church on July 30, 1944.

Marlys met her beloved husband, Odin Fossen and were married on October 30th, 1949 in Sheyenne, ND by Rev. Paul Gustafson. Together, they made their home on the Fossen farm north of Heimdal. Odin and Marlys had four children. They remained on the farm until retirement in 2001 when they moved into Maddock. They have been living in Jamestown since 2011.

Throughout Marlys's life, one thing always remained clear and consistent which was the love she had for her family. Marlys and Odin enjoyed square dancing, music programs in their community, her church circle, and her strong ties with their church family.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Odin, daughter Diane (James) Nygaard, of Jamestown, ND, son Bruce (Shelley) Fossen, Jamestown, ND, daughter Penny (Bill) Pipho of Blair, OK, six grandchildren: Patrick (Jessica) Nygaard, Nicole (Travis) Heinle, Jordan (Mallory) Nygaard, Jarred (Brittany) Nygaard, Brandi Janke, Reid Fossen, and seven great-grandchildren. She was greeted in heaven by her parents, son Dwight, and three brothers, Arlen, Reuben, and Henning.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Sunday, July 26, 2015 at Nelson Funeral Home in Maddock, ND. The funeral will be 11 am Monday, July 27, 2015 at the North Viking Lutheran Church in Maddock, ND. Burial will be in the North Viking Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the North Viking Lutheran Church or North Viking Lutheran Church Cemetery.