Veronica C. Olander

STAPLES -- Veronica Catherine Olander, 88, Staples, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, at Greater Staples Care Center.

She was born Aug. 26, 1914, in Long Prairie to Henry and Wilhelmina (Spieker) Griep. After graduating from high school she taught country school for four years in District No. 42 and District No. 113. She married Helmer Olander on Feb. 28, 1938, in Long Prairie. They farmed in Bartlett Township. They moved to Staples in 1992. She was a member of the Aldrich Mother of Sorrows Ladies Altar Society, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples, St. Teresa Mission Circle, the Willing Workers Club, the Flower Club and the Handicraft Club.

Survivors include four sons, Roy Olander, Staples, Dennis Olander, Pequot Lakes, John Allen Olander, Aurora, Ill., and Stephan Olander, Clara City; four daughters, Rosalie Fox, Sauk Centre, Janice Bobendrier, Pipestone, Mary May, Long Prairie, and Jane Salber, Barnesville; 34 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Otto Griep, Long Prairie.

Three brothers, three sisters and her husband died earlier.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Peter Kirchner officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Friends may call from 4:30-8 p.m. Tuesday at Brenny Funeral Home in Staples with parish prayers at 7:30 p.m. followed by the rosary.