Lola Marie Fick

Lola Marie Fick Passed away on June 18th, 2025 after a long courageous battle with dementia. She is survived by her children Herb, Heidi, and John Fick, foster daughter Kathy Kerr (Rubio), cousins Ann Nordin (Wick), Karin Norlander (Crider), and Margretha Strom.
Born July 7th, 1936 in Minneapolis, MN to Jennings (Jack) and Marie Nordin. Lola lived a full and dynamic life.
At the age of 3 Lola lived in Denali Park, Alaska where she fed foxes, and became comfortable in the outdoor life.
She grew up in North Minneapolis, surrounded by family and friends. In her youth she trained and showed dogs, especially Jack and Marie's Cocker Spaniels, learned to hunt and fish, was a Girl Scout Leader, and was active in her church and community.
In 1954 she began attending St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. While at St. Olaf, she was a member of the St. Olaf Band. She performed in plays and studied painting and other arts. She met many of her life-long friends while attending St. Olaf.
While attending St. Olaf College she met her future husband Herbert J Fick when they were both members of the Ice-Skating Club.
She graduated from St. Olaf in 1958. After graduation Lola moved to Detroit Lakes, MN and began her career as a probation officer. As a part of her job, she transported prisoners in a car to jurisdictions in central and southern Minnesota. She carried a pistol and handcuffs in her glove compartment during this period.
In early 1960 Lola moved to Chicago to join her boyfriend Herbert while he was in graduate school. The couple married in Minneapolis. Later in 1960 they moved back to Northfield, MN where their first son Herbert B. was born.
In December of 1962 Lola gave birth to her daughter Heidi in Northfield.
After moving back to Northfield from Chicago, Lola and Herb began to take in and help a series of foster children. One of them, Kathy remained a member of Lola's family ever since.
In 1966 Lola moved her family to England, where Herbert had been posted for his work. While living in England, Lola took every opportunity to travel throughout Great Britain, and northern Europe. She made sure her children were exposed to the history and culture of England and the countries they traveled to. She made many friends during her stay in England and stayed in touch with them over the years after she returned to the USA in 1969. Lola enjoyed camping, and the family camped during most of their travels.
Lola traveled back to Europe many times in her life. She spent many holidays visiting and traveling with her Swedish relatives -with whom she maintained a life-long relationship. Lola traveled through most of western Europe, and the United States, and visited Australia, Mexico and Iceland among the varied places she traveled to.
After moving back to Northfield after living in England, Lola and Herbert bought a home and settled down to raise their children. They enjoyed summers at French Lake near Faribault, and at Cass Lake with extended family and friends. They spent dozens of days every winter skiing at Welch Village in Minnesota.
Lola and Herbert became ski instructors, and taught their kids to ski at an early age. Lola continued to teach skiing at Welch Village into her 70's. She skied in the Rocky Mountains, Canada, Sweden, the European Alps, and the Midwestern states of the USA. She even taught skiing with a cast on her leg after a ski accident and earlier, skied with son Herb on her back in her Gerry Pack. Lola loved to ski and shared that joy with her family, friends and students.
In 1969 Lola gave birth to her son John Fick in Northfield.
Lola was always involved in the arts and creative pursuits. She played music and sang throughout her life. She acted in many musicals and plays at the Northfield Arts Guild in the 1970's and 1980's. She was a member of the Lost Norwegians folk group for many years. She designed and made costumes for her children to wear for the Jesse James Days Kiddy Parade every year, many of her costumes won the top prize for Kiddy Parade costumes. She encouraged her children's artistic pursuits throughout her life.
Lola was raised in the Lutheran faith, and remained strongly involved in the activities and worship at all of the churches she was a member of during her adult life. This was the case at all the churches she attended in Northfield, Minneapolis, and Lonsdale, MN. She was a faithful servant of God throughout her life.
Throughout her life in Northfield & Minneapolis, Lola was actively involved in the community. Volunteering as a boy scout leader, Serving as a volunteer for the Northfield Food Shelf, Habitat for Humanity, and Meals-on-Wheels, among many other charitable organizations.
In 1979, Lola and Herbert were divorced.
After her divorce, Lola obtained her masters degree in Social Work and resumed her career in the field. She worked with foster children for both governmental and private social work organizations until her retirement.
Lola moved from Northfield to Minneapolis in 1990. She resided in Minneapolis until 2000, when she moved into a new home she built on French Lake near Faribault, MN. She lived on French Lake until 2007 when she moved back to the town of Northfield, where she lived until her passing.
In 2017 Lola was diagnosed with dementia. She stayed in her home with the love and care of her Sons John and Herb, daughter Heidi, and a group of caregivers until near the end. Her family greatly appreciates the kind care provided to Lola by her caregivers over these years. Thanks to all of you for making her life easier.
She was a person who focused on giving what she could to others in need of help or support. She is and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Trondhjem Lutheran Church in Lonsdale. Details to be announced soon.
Arrangements are with Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com