Mardelle Faber

Mardelle Serphine Faber, 97, of Rake passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025 surrounded by family. Funeral services for Mardelle will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 9 at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake. Burial will be at West Cemetery in Rake following the service. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.

Mardelle was born May 1, 1928 to Clarence and Myrtle (Legried) Hovland. She grew up on the family farm with her sister, Maxine, where she developed a strong work ethic, deep faith, and love of family that guided her throughout her life. She attended the Erdahl and Homedahl Country Schools through eighth grade and graduated from Rake High School in 1945.

Mardelle was baptized on May 27, 1928 and confirmed on June 7, 1942, both at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, where her faith would remain a steady cornerstone throughout her life.

On December 20, 1947, Mardelle married her high school sweetheart, George Faber, at Zion Lutheran Church. Together, they began their life south of Rake, later lived in Elmore, MN, and returned to Rake in March 1964, where they made their lifelong home.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mardelle worked tirelessly beside George on the farm and took joy in caring for her family and home. Proud of her Norwegian heritage, she loved sharing her culture through her Kringla, Klub and lutefisk, among countless other family favorites. Her many talents --- baking, cooking, sewing, quilting, and crocheting --- were gifts she joyfully shared with others. A lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, she found great joy in her faith and fellowship, serving her congregation with the same warmth and devotion she shared with her family.

Mardelle and George were blessed with three children: Gregory, Darlene (Dennis) Bollig and LeaAnn (Earl) Hovland; five granchildren: Dustin (Liza) Bollig and their children, Broc and Brenna; Mindi (Jake) Raleigh and their children, Landon and Harlee; Dana (Josh) Lemberg and their children, Lauryn and Jace; Derek (Abby) Bollig and their children, Addy and Brody; and Devin (Tara) Bollig and their daughter, Elizabeth. She is also survived by her niece and nephew, Valerie Brones and Steven Ryg, whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son; her in-laws, Gred and Eva Faber; her sister and brother-in-law, Maxine and Arden Ryg; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Harriet and Ralph Brones; and brother-in-law Richard Faber; along with some nieces and nephews.

Mardelle will be remembered for her warm heart, strong spirit, and steadfast faith. Her love, humor, and ability to make everyone feel welcome will continue to bless her family for generations to come.

Online condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.