Marlys Kay Ollanketo

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the home of Mike Stegner and Elaine Johnson at 2570 60th St SW in Appleton, Minnesota (56208.) Lunch will be served. Weather permitting, we’ll have a bonfire in Marti’s memory.

Marlys Kay “Marti” (Fonken) Ollanketo, 75, passed away peacefully at AAH on January 21, 2025, in Appleton, Minnesota. Born on April 14, 1949, in Montevideo, Minnesota, Marti lived a life marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of everyday living.

Marti grew up in Walnut Grove, Marrietta, Haydenville, and Madison, Minnesota, where she graduated from Madison Public Schools in 1967. She went on to attend the University of Minnesota Morris for over three years with a focus on teaching. Marrying her college sweetheart, Gary Larsen, led her beyond the classroom to the Upper Peninsula.

Over the years, Marti held a wide variety of jobs that reflected both her versatility and strong work ethic. In Hancock, Michigan, she worked at the City Office, a local bank, a chiropractor’s office, a car repair shop, and bartended – each role adding to the rich tapestry of her working life. Moving back to Minnesota, she brought her talents to Firefly Creek Casino and Prairie’s Edge Casino. She also managed Duebers until it closed.

Marti was also known for her skills in the kitchen. She cooked at the Appleton VFW, Milan Beach, and The Senior Center. In addition to cooking professionally and for her loved ones alike, she also did bookkeeping work.

Marti had many passions that brought her joy and comfort. A gifted cook and baker, she was always trying new recipes or revisiting old favorites. Her collection of cookbooks was extensive – a testament to her culinary curiosity. An avid reader, she always had a book nearby. Quilting was another cherished hobby; she enjoyed creating beautiful pieces for friends and family that reflected her creativity and care.

Time spent with family was especially meaningful to Marti. She shared countless “little adventures” with her sister Elaine Johnson – often punctuated by meals at Panda Garden and Pizza Ranch, a couple of Marti’s favorite places to eat. For over thirty years, Marti shared life with her devoted partner Cody Strang in Appleton.

Marti is lovingly remembered by her sons Christopher Ollanketo of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Jeffrey Ollanketo of Hancock, Michigan. She is also remembered by her sister Elaine Johnson and her partner Mike Stegner, Cody Strang was her life partner of three decades, and Julie Nilson – her bosom buddy.

Marti was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Violet Fonken, former husbands Gary Larson and Robert “Fuzzy” Ollanketo, and all of her aunts and uncles.