Marly Fellerer

Margaret Ruth Olson Melland Fellerer (“Marly”) was born on November 10, 1944, at Jamestown Hospital in Jamestown to Inez Ruth (Eidbo) Olson. Her father, Orin E. Olson, was killed in July of that year when his plane was shot down over Italy during World War II. Marly and her mother returned to Jamestown, where they lived with her grandparents. From an early age, her grandmother affectionately called her “Lille Marly” to distinguish her from her aunt, Margaret—a name that stayed with her throughout her life.

Marly attended Roosevelt Elementary School and later Jamestown High School, graduating in 1962. In 1956, she was formally adopted by her stepfather, Russell Orville Melland. She grew up alongside her siblings, Elizabeth Louise (Melland) De La Motte and Russell John Melland.

She began her college education at Concordia College (Moorhead, Minnesota) before returning to Jamestown College, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education in 1967. After graduating, she embarked on an adventure that she would recount for years to come—traveling across the Atlantic aboard the RMS Queen Mary to visit relatives in Norway and explore Western Europe. It was during this trip that she discovered her lifelong love of flea markets.

On her return, Marly began teaching first grade in Frazee, Minnesota, where she met her future husband, John Henry Fellerer. The two were married on July 24, 1971, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jamestown, North Dakota. They made their home in central Minnesota, first in Nisswa and later in Brainerd. Marly often joked about the early years there, saying the dense forests made her feel claustrophobic after growing up under the wide-open skies of North Dakota. While living on K Street in Brainerd, Marly and John welcomed their first child, Kjierstin Ruth, in 1973. After building a home northeast of town, they welcomed Elizabeth Rachael in 1975 and Martin John in 1978. Marly loved being a mother—deeply and without hesitation—and she often said that John felt like home.

In 1987, she began teaching at the Crow Wing County Jail, bringing her gift for education to those who needed it most. In 1989, the family faced a profound challenge when her husband was absent for months. Through that difficult period, Marly demonstrated resilience, strength, and an unwavering commitment to her family.

After Martin graduated high school, Marly and John moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where they lived for 10 years, followed by time in Americus, Georgia. In 2012, they returned to Jamestown, North Dakota, where Marly spent her later years.

Marly was a vibrant, outspoken woman who never understood why rainy days made people sad. She believed strongly that each person should stand on their own two feet, had little patience for deception, and was never afraid to speak up when something wasn’t right. She found joy in conversation, in a competitive game of Boggle, and in sewing—where she was unmatched. She made clothes for her children and grandchildren with care and precision, leaving behind not just garments, but tangible expressions of love. And she loved to travel; she would take her grandchildren or children on a moment’s notice for a drive around the US, she especially enjoyed traveling with her friend Kathy. Marly cared deeply about fairness and justice, and she did not stay quiet when she saw wrongs that needed to be righted. Her voice—strong, clear, and often passionate—was part of what made her unforgettable.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her infant grandchildren; Joseph and Grace.

She is survived by her husband, John; her children, Kjierstin, Elizabeth, and Martin; their spouses; and ten grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Phyllis (Melland) Seiler and Elizabeth (Melland) De La Motte; her brother, Russell John Melland; her close friend Nedra Van Dyne; and many extended family members and friends whose lives she touched. Marly will be deeply missed and long remembered.

Celebration of Life – 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 8, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown, with Susan Haukaas officiating.

Memorials – The family suggests the Anne Carlsen Center for Children - to donate CLICK HERE