Ragnhild Olstead

Ragnhild Evelyn Mattson was born March 26, 1907 near Alexandria, MN, the daughter of Gust and Ellen (Shogren) Mattson. She was raised in the Alexandria area and attended Liberty School near Nelson, MN. Reggie began working in nursing homes, including Bethany Home, in Alexandria. On October 4, 1941 she was united in marriage to Eugene Maruska at Fahlun Lutheran Church. She was blessed with one child, Marlys. In 1950 Reggie moved with her parents and daughter to St. Paul, MN. She worked for Midway Hospital in the laundry and later for Bethesda Hospital as a dietary aide. In the mid 1960?s she was united in marriage to Wallace Almquist at Zion Lutheran Church in St. Paul. Wallace died only a few years later. In 1974 Reggie was joined in marriage to Clarence Olstead at Mount Olive Church in Anoka, MN. They made their home in Coon Rapids, MN. Following Clarence?s death in September 1986 Reggy moved to Alexandria to be closer to her family. Reggie always tried to stay active in her ladies circle at her churches. Her last church was Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria where she was the oldest member of the congregation. Reggie was a very easy going and caring person. You could always depend upon her when you needed her. Reggie was close to her brothers and sisters and enjoyed spending time with them. She was a very social person and loved to be included in events. On Tuesday, April 29, 2008 Reggie died at the age of one hundred-one years. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Edwin and Rueben Mattson; and sister, Edith Bolin. Reggie is survived by her daughter, Marlys and husband, Don Rohweder, of New Brighton, MN; two grandsons, Mark and wife, Jennifer Rohweder, of Hamilton, MT and Brian Rohweder of St. Paul; three sisters, Ethel Nelson, Eunice Gordon and Gloria Southward, all of Alexandria; sister-in-law, Ruth Mattson of Alexandria; brother-in-law, Rueben Bolin of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Saturday, May 3, 2008 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Rev. Dale Olson officiated. Sandy Buckner provided music. Interment followed in the Fahlun Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.