Mardi Overland

Mardi Joyce Bjorkman Overland, 77, died peacefully with her family by her side, on January 26, 2023, at her home in Moorhead, MN.

To celebrate and honor Mardi’s life a visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m, on Monday, January 30, 2023, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. The funeral service will be Tuesday, January 31, at 1:00 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead.

She was a mother, grandma, wife, sister, aunt, and dear friend to all. The greatest title she wore so proudly was Grandma Mardi.

Mardi was born April 23, 1945, to LeRoy “Bones” Larsen and Lucille (Allers) in Moorhead, MN. She was the youngest of 6 children. She graduated from Moorhead Senior High in 1963. Growing up she loved her friends, especially Linda, making new ones and going on dates.

After graduation, she started at Moorhead State University and met the love of her life, Ken Bjorkman. On August 14, 1965, she married Ken and moved to Marshfield, WI. Together they had 4 beautiful children – David, Brian, Eric and finally a girl, Anne. In 1986, they parted ways and remained friends throughout the years.

She and all four kids moved back to Moorhead, MN, to live with Mardi’s mother, Lucille “Granny”, to finish her college degree in teaching. She graduated May 26, 1989.

On May 27,1989, the day following her graduation, she married Ronn Overland where their family grew with the addition of Ronn’s three boys. Ronn and Mardi resided in Moorhead in the home Mardi’s mom and dad built in 1954. Her favorite place on the planet!

Mardi taught for 16 years at Horace Elementary in Horace, ND, grades 4 and 6. Fourth grade being her favorite. She was known as a classy, laid back and fun teacher. Students praised her with ornaments that still get hung annually on the Christmas tree.

Mardi retired, December 9, 2005, as Mardi’s life changed forever when she had a massive stroke that impacted her speech and mobility. While she had to relearn basic life skills, she was determined to live life to the fullest. During this period the “Working First” language was born.

She provided unconditional love to all people and helped all those she loved. With every adversity presented, she remained steadfast in her faith, keeping a smile on her face and laughter in her heart. She was the most selfless person who genuinely listened to all those she interacted with. She always fought for the underdog and no matter what, she saw the best in everyone!

She leaves behind a family that will love her and miss her always!

Mardi is survived by her two sons, Brian (Leah) Fargo, ND, Eric (Mari) Moorhead, MN and daughter, Anne (Dean) Simon, Moorhead, MN.  Brother-In-Law John Miller, St. Paul, MN, Sister-In-Law Karen Larsen, Rochester, MN. She is also survived by her grandchildren – Jared, Joey, Ella, Carter, Anna, Ethan, Aiden, and Cade. Adopted grandchildren – Seth, Savannah, and Sophie. Step sons, Royce (Angela) Overland, Sartell, MN, Chad (Sarah) Overland, Alexandria, MN and Ryan Overland, Fargo, ND. And all the nieces and nephews!

She was preceded in death and welcomed into heaven by both parents LeRoy “Bones” and Lucille, son David, grandson Conner, her sisters, Joyce Barkus, Detta Nelson; Pat Miller, brothers, Ken Larsen, Keith Larsen and husband Ronn Overland.