Muriel Alida Wordelman

Muriel Alida Wordelman, age 97 years and 9 months, died December 22, 2015 in the St. Cloud Hospital.  She was born in Ormsby, Minnesota on March 25, 1918 to Olaus and Tena (Sorlie) Syverson. Muriel graduated from St. James High School and from Winona State Teachers College with a two-year degree. Later, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Minnesota, Morris.

Muriel began her teaching career in a one-room school house in the St. James area. After serving several one-room schools, she completed her career in Danvers and Benson, Minnesota.

Muriel married Victor Wordelman on June 21, 1938 in St. James. They moved to Benson in 1947, where they resided until moving to Sauk Rapids, Minnesota in 2004.

After her family, Muriel’s joy came from teaching. She taught second grade for many years, and was so loved by her students that some still communicated with her. She was honored as Teacher of the Year for Swift County at the Minnesota State Fair prior to her retirement.

Muriel was an avid golfer, and she was proud of a trophy she won for being club champion.

She was part of a group that spearheaded the building of a library for the Benson area. She continuously cared for others by visiting the homebound, and teaching English to recently arrived immigrants.

Muriel was an active member of Our Redeemers Church in Benson. She loved playing bridge and playing card games with her children. She loved to travel, and reminded her family to do it as often as they could.

Muriel was preceded in death by her mother, father, three brothers, and her husband of 70 years. She is survived by her sons Todd (Stephanie) of Port Charlotte, Florida, Scott (Donna) of St. Paul, and daughter Vicky (Dennis Herschbach) of Sartell. Six grandchildren: Erik Wordelman (Ann), Sarah (John Roehrich), Dan Schaefer, Mark Schaefer (Kim), Ryan Wordelman, and Brent Wordelman (Kari); and also eight great-grandchildren: Emma, Abby, Erin, Mason, Laura, Jack, Tyler, and Berit.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to  our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Benson.