Martha Haaland

Martha B. Haaland, 88, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota passed away May 9, 2015 surrounded by her loved ones at the Cottages, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Martha B. Olson daughter of Oscar and Ruth (Larsen) Olson was born on November 2, 1926 at her parents' home in Holmesville Township. She attended the one room elementary school known as Woodland Park School, which her grandfather had been instrumental in organizing. After graduating from 8th grade, she went to high school in Detroit Lakes. She graduated from high school with the class of 1943. Martha attended Moorhead State University for one year, receiving a teaching permit at the age of 17. She then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree. Her first twelve years of teaching were in a one room school in Becker County. She then moved on to teach 5th grade in New York Mills for 28 years. In 1974 she was named the Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America for her contributions to the advancement of elementary education. Martha married Phillip Haaland, son of Gustav and Inga Haaland (Swenson) in 1950. They were married for 49 years, living their life in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and Mesa Arizona after retirement. Martha was a member of the Detroit Lakes Assembly of God Church since 1951, where she taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. She was also a member of the Sons of Norway Viking Land Lodge #495. Martha is survived by one sister, Maria Olson Reed of Detroit Lakes, MN and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, husband Phillip Haaland, three sisters, Victoria Olson, Glady Olson Dahlsad, and Linnea Olson Reed, two brothers- Oscar Olson and James Olson. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley (1701 38th St. S. Ste 101, Fargo, ND 58103-4499).