Marian Hechtner, age 101 of Sac City, Iowa died peacefully - suddenly but not unexpectantly - on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Park View Rehabilitation Center in Sac City, Iowa. On January 20, 1923, she was born, Marian Althea Olson, to parents Carl and Amy Olson on a farm near Albert City, Iowa.
Marian graduated from High School in Albert City in 1940. After working in a local factory during high school and desiring something more creative, she decided to become a teacher. To this end, she attended Buena Vista University, earned a teaching certificate in 1942, and taught elementary school for 23 years in the systems of Ware, Sac City, and Lake View- Auburn, Iowa.
In June 1946, she married Loren Hechtner, became a member of the Methodist church, and moved to the farm where she lived until 1978. During these years, Marian was active in several community events and clubs including the neighborhood Spartan Club, the Sewing Club, the Friends of the Library, Red Hats, The Hospital Auxiliary, the Country Club, and various committees of the Women’s Circles at the United Methodist Church where she also taught Sunday School and held various offices. She was also the Superintendent of Needlecraft at the Sac County Fair.
Her hobbies included singing, playing the piano, sewing, bridge, dominoes, various kinds of crafts, as well as attending musical events and dramatic performances at Buena Vista University, Fort Dodge Community College, the Omaha Community Theater, and in Sac City.
Marian was also well traveled. In addition to family camping trips, which took her to every state except Hawaii, she also enjoyed several European tours and following her daughters as their careers took them to such places as Libya, Hong Kong, London, Macao, Taiwan, and China.
Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Loren Hechtner, her brothers Warren and Paul Olson, two sisters-in-law, and a son-in-law. She is survived by her two daughters Dian Murray (Spring Lake, MI) and Jane Rainin (Riveria Beach, FL), a brother Larry Olson of Arlington Heights, IL, and six nieces and nephews from California, Texas, Kansas, Illinois, and Tennessee.
On a personal note, Jane and I want to express our deep gratitude for the exceptional care Mother received as her life gradually ebbed away. First and foremost, Dr. Zoltan Pek’s medical expertise and human compassion ushered her into her second century. At Park View Rehabilitation Center, the cooks produced coffee with two sugars, fried eggs, and toast almost on demand while the nursing staff provided daily care, comfort, and companionship. Caregivers from St. Croix Hospice, who drive hundreds of miles every week tending to their patients, provided additional medical oversight, equipment, and prayers for the transitions at life’s end.
With many thanks and much gratitude,
Jane Rainin and Dian Murray
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please make contributions to the Loring Healthcare Foundation in memory of Marian Hechtner and in honor of Dr. Zoltan Pek. The family would be especially pleased if these contributions could serve as seeds for a larger community fund to honor Dr. Pek in the new facility.
Jane Rainin
5200 N Ocean Drive
Apt. 803
Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Dian Murray
4724 Tennis Club Lane
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Loring Healthcare Foundation
211 Highland Ave.
Sac City, IA 50583