REPUBLIC, MI – Marie Olien, age 92, formerly of Republic, passed away peacefully at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility on Saturday September 5, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family and under the comforting care of the MCMCF staff.

Marie was born in Republic, Michigan, on October 22, 1933, to James and Josephine (St. Andre) LaBeau. She grew up on her family farm and attended Republic Schools, graduating with the Class of 1951. She remained a proud member of the Republic community throughout her life.

For 25 years, Marie worked for Republic-Michigamme Schools as a bus driver and cook before retiring in 2001. She enjoyed the people she met through her work and was always happiest when she was surrounded by others.

Marie was a woman who found joy in the simple things in life and always had her hair and make-up done and ready for any event that crossed her way, but above all else, her family was what meant the most to her. Holidays were especially important to Marie, as they gave her the opportunity to bring her family together and spend time with the people she loved most. She treasured those moments and the memories created with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Marie was artistic and creative and enjoyed gardening, picking berries, making pasties and tarts, and creating wreaths. She also enjoyed playing cards and bowled for many years in several leagues throughout the area. She loved watching The Golden Girls and had a personality that could best be described as sassy, spunky, and strong.

Marie was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Republic.

Marie is survived by her children, Robert (Debra) Bengtson, Debbie (Ralph) Gardner, Rod (Linda) Bengtson, and Robin (Jon) Jarvi; grandchildren, Nikki (Randy) Couveau, Angie (Jim) Hytinen, Jeri (Kevin) Ballent, Matthew (Tessa) Bengtson, Laura Bengtson, Nathan (Jordan) Jarvi, Andrew Jarvi, Julianne (Mitchell) Knox, Olivia Jarvi, and Sophia Jarvi; great-grandchildren, Anthony and Alyssa Couveau, Anna and Emily Hytinen, Harper Ballent, Emma and Sadie Bengtson and Addison, Jackson, Emerson, and Graceson Jarvi; Theo and Hudson Knox, and Jorja Conner; sister-in-law, Gina Oakeson; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Josephine LaBeau; her first husband, Robert Bengtson; her second husband, Douglas Olien; fiance, James Mackey; her brother, Ellsworth LaBeau; and her sisters, Lois Beaupied, Alice Haapala and Marion Salson.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Republic. Marie’s family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. at the church. A luncheon will be held in the church hall immediately following the service.

Interment will take place in the Republic Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marie’s memory may be directed to the Marquette County Medical Care Facility bingo fund, St. Augustine Catholic Church, or Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for the compassionate and comforting care they provided for Marie.

A full obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends are invited to leave notes of remembrance.