Ida G. Fancher, 95

Funeral services for Ida G. Fancher, 95, of Fairmont, Minn., will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Fairmont. Private family burial will be at a later date in the Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery in Fairmont. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont and will continue 1 hour prior to the time of service beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Ida passed away Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, at the Roxanne House of Goldfinch Estates in Fairmont.

The Lakeview Funeral Home of Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ida Gladys (Olien) Fancher was born Aug. 2, 1916, in New Richmond, Wis., the daughter of Oscar and Ida (Stromen) Olien. As a young girl, Ida attended school in New Richmond and graduated from New Richmond High School in 1934. Following her graduation, Ida worked for her father taking care of the books for his business.

Ida had a love of animals and she had numerous pet dogs as she grew up. One special dog, "Fritz," had a sweet tooth and would frequent the local bakery. On one fateful day, when Ida went to retrieve "Fritz," she met the co-owner of the bakery, Richard "Dick" Fancher. After a short courtship, the couple was married on May 19, 1940, in New Richmond. Together they made their home in New Richmond; Minneapolis, Minn.; and finally Fairmont. To this union four children were born: Ann, Alice, Margaret "Peggy," and Donald.

Ida was an extremely active person who loved to volunteer. When she found a cause that she could get behind and help with, she did so with all of her energy. Ida was instrumental in various fundraisers in Fairmont. For 29 years, she guided the countywide organization of the American Heart Association's Heart Sunday drive and the memorial fund. She was very involved in the start of the Fairmont Hospital Auxiliary and served as its president. Ida was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ where she was active with Bible study and many other activities of the church. She was particularly compassionate of the many different mission works of the church and served on the MN Conference OCWM board for 19 years. Her patriotism led her to be involved as a past president of the American Legion Auxiliary. Ida was an active volunteer with the PTA working her way up to the National Level.

When not busy with her volunteering, Ida found time to work at the Good News Book Store in Fairmont and also in the fabric department of Wolf's Store. She was a self-taught seamstress and found great joy in designing and making many wedding and bridesmaid dresses throughout her years. Her most cherished wedding dresses were those she designed and made for her daughters. Ida's quiet sense of humor and love of life and spicy gumdrops will be greatly missed by those that loved her and called her friend.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Ann Hartmann of Fairmont, Alice Maday of Fairmont, Peggy (Les) Heinrich of Fairmont, and Donald (Arlene) Fancher of Lino Lakes, Minn.; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one sister, Martha "Tootie" Smith of New Richmond; two sisters-in-law, Peg Olien of New Richmond and Alta Mae Olien of New Richmond; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Ida was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Ida Olien; husband, Richard "Dick" Fancher; brothers, Marvin "Marnie" Olien, Al Olien, Charles Olien (in infancy), and Oscar "Occie" Olien; and one son-in-law, John "Jack" Maday.

Memorials preferred to First Congregational United Church of Christ or the American Heart Association.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net.

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