Mardelle S. Faber

Funeral Service for Mardelle Faber will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake. Burial will be held at West Cemetery in Rake following the service. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday at the church.
Mardelle was born on May 1, 1928, to Clarence and Myrtle (Legried) Hovland. She grew up on the family farm with her sister, Maxine, where she developed the 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, Iowa, 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, Iowa, later lived in Elmore, Minnesota, 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, Mardelle found great joy in her faith and fellowship, serving her congregation with the same warmth and devotion she shared with her family.
Mardelle Serphine Faber, 97, of Rake, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, surrounded by family.
She and George were blessed with three children: Gregory, Darlene (Dennis) Bollig, and LeaAnn (Earl) Hovland; five grandchildren: 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; and several nieces and nephews.
Mardelle was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her son, Gregory; her in-laws, Fred 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.