Sarah Jean Wendel

1977 - 2025

Sarah Jean Olson Wendel, 48, Valley City, ND passed away in her home surrounded by her family while under the care of HIA Hospice on Sunday, September 21, 2025.  She fought her battle with cancer with incredible courage, and strength, inspiring all who loved her.
A prayer service will be held Friday, September 26 at 7:00 PM with an hour of visitation beforehand at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valley City. Her memorial service will be Saturday, September 27 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran. The services will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with her obituary on her tribute page at www.lerudmathias.com.  An online guestbook is available there as well.
The Sarah Olson Wendel Benefit & Social will still be held Sunday, September 28 at the Eagle's Club. The event starts with free will lunch and a silent auction at 1:00. The cornhole tournament begins at 2:00. This celebration was planned prior to Sarah's passing and will still go on as a time to celebrate her life and share memories and stories throughout the day.
Sarah Jean Olson Wendel was born September 9, 1977, in Fargo, ND, The daughter of Marvin and Wanda Olson. She spent the first 6 years of her life in West Fargo, ND, and attended kindergarten there. She grew up in Oriska, ND, where she made lifelong friends and became the strong willed, independent woman everyone knew her to be. Sarah graduated from Oriska High School in 1996.
She became a mother to Mariah in 1995. In 2005, she married Brent Wendel, they welcomed their baby boy, Jayden, in 2007. Being a mother came naturally to Sarah, and it was a role she poured her heart into. Together they all shared many years filled with love and laughter. Those were the moments Sarah cherished most- the happiness of simply being together as a family.
In 2016, Sarah's heart grew even bigger when she became a Grammie to her grandson, Jax. They shared a special bond that brought Sarah so much joy. Sarah also loved being an auntie, always creating the fun and making every moment special. Her nieces and nephews meant the world to her, and she treasured watching them grow.
Throughout her life Sarah worked many jobs and made an impact at each one. She was hard-working, dependable, and cared deeply about the people she worked with.
Sarah will be remembered for her kindness, her radiant smile, and the positivity she carried into every room. Her compassion was not only for people but for the animals as well, who held a special place in her heart She was a beloved, daughter, sister, mother, Grammie, auntie, and friend who will be deeply missed.
Sarah is survived by her children, Mariah Olstad and Jayden Wendel; parents, Wanda and Marvin Olson; grandson, Jax Olstad; sister, Susan (Tony) Wendel; brother, Richard (Tina) Olson; former husband, Brent Wendel; nieces and nephews, Colton, Kelsey, Hallie (Tanner & Ryker), Chloe, Madison, Tori, Eli, Henry, Reis, Jocey & Hudson. She also leaves behind her dog, Boone; cat, Ollie; many extended family members and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her Grandma Bonnie Pfeifer, Grandma Lila Olson, Grandpa Alan Olson; niece, Hazel Grace; and her beloved dog, Daisy; and several friends.