Olga Tyssen, 97, Fertile, MN, died Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile.

Olga Allene Viken was the fifth of eight children born to Otto Joel and Rose (Morvig) Viken on May 26, 1912, in Fertile, MN. She was baptized at Little Norway Lutheran Church, and later confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fertile. It was the height of the depression and jobs were scarce. Olga decided to move to Grand Forks and worked as a housekeeper.

Olga was united in marriage to Olaf Viken and they made their with Olaf's elderly mother in Fertile. Olga took over the tasks of keeping house and cooking.

In 1941, they moved to New Orleans, Louisiana since Olaf was offered a job with a large contracting firm. They lived there until 1945, when Olaf was asked to work in the plumbing business in Fertile.

Olga went on hunting and fishing trips with Olaf; she enjoyed fishing the most. She liked to cook, bake and entertain. The neighbor ladies would often come for afternoon coffee.

Olga is survived by one daughter, Carole Thompson, Phoenix, AZ; two sons, James Tyssen, Honolulu, HI; and Gene Tyssen, Pasco, WA; one sister, Orpha (Viken) Edgar, Conroe, TX. She was preceded in death by her husband, Olaf, 3 brothers, Albert, Otis, George, 2 sisters, Agnes Ostgarden and Dora Glemmen.

Services will be held at Little Norway Lutheran Church in June of 2010.

Arrangements with
Erikson-Vik Funeral Home
Fertile, MN