Alva G. Olek

Alva passed in peace on September 11, 2025, in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Alva was born to Gus and Nellie (Pierce) Fenske in Morrison, Minnesota. She is preceded in death by husband Ron, parents Gus and Nellie, sister Shirley (Bernard) Bermel, and brothers Herb and Bob.

Alva is cherished in memory by her daughters, Rhonda (Keith) Converse and Rochelle (Kyle) Hemenway; her grandchildren, Josh (Jenny), Jake (Dani), Jarett (Rese), Jessie (Herb), and Jeremy; and her great-grandchildren, Nora, Ryker, Max, Harper, Griffin, Hadley, and Finnley. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Rosie (Herb) and Pat (Bob) Fenske, along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, and extended family members whose lives she touched.

Hand in hand with Ron, Alva embarked on spirited journeys across the United States, their only uncharted territory the wild expanses of Alaska. On these wanderings, she gathered charms and stones as treasured souvenirs of the soul—each one a quiet testament to her wonder at the world's hidden beauties. She delighted in the thrill of casinos, where fortune's wheel spun tales of chance and delight.

Games wove the threads of family gatherings, with Alva's favorites—Nickels, Gin, and Mary Widow. Even chores found playful redemption in rounds of Aggravation, where the losers (green and orange) found themselves at the kitchen sink.

Alva was a connoisseur of desserts, creator of Jello salads and maker of sherbet punch. Her grandchildren hold dear the enchantment of Easter egg hunts and scavenger quests, where her ingenuity transformed ordinary moments into excitement and anticipation.

Alva's spirit danced through realms of creation—her hands alive with the sweep of the brush in painting, the graceful artistry of floral arrangements, the intricate weave of beaded jewelry, and the delicate sculpting of clay miniatures. She was a devoted reader and found joy in conquering expert Sudoku puzzles. Her love of collecting extended to whimsical small woodland creatures and bears, enchanting fairy houses and anything touched by the magic of mushrooms.

The Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Alva G. Olek will be held on September 22, 2025, at 10:30am at Gearty Delmore Funeral Home – Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave. N, Plymouth, MN 55446. 

The family will receive family and friends from 9:30am until the time of service at the funeral home. A luncheon will be served immediately following the church service.

 Please come and share your special memories of Alva with her family.

 The service will conclude with the interment at 2:00pm at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Camp Ripley, located at 15550 MN-115, Little Falls, Minnesota 56345.