Mariel Louise (Kohn) Oftelie

Born October 18, 1932 in Spencer Iowa, died on May 12, 2024.  

Immediate family left to cherish her memory are her husband of 69 years, Phil C. Oftelie; daughter Robin Stoupa (husband Paul Stoupa); son Mark Oftelie; granddaughter Melissa Krejci (husband Ryan Krejci) and great grandchildren Troy, Kaylee & Elli Krejci.  

Mariel was born to Wesley & Estella Kohn and raised along with her 2 sisters Beverly and Phyllis, on the family farm north of Spencer, Iowa.  After graduating from Spencer High School, she attended Drake University, Morningside College and graduated from Iowa State University in 1954 with a Bachelors Degree in Child Development.  While at Iowa State she met the love of her life Phil Oftelie.  The family moved to the Bellevue/Papillion area in 1969 where she began teaching at Cardinal Spellman school in Bellevue.  While there, she obtained an endorsement in education from St Mary’s College.  Later a Masters Degree in Special Education from Creighton University.  

Mariel touched the lives of many young children through her 28-year teaching career at both Cardinal Spellman Catholic School, (now St Matthew’s School) and Golden Hills Elementary for Papillion/LaVista Schools.  After retiring from full time teaching she spent an additional 15 years volunteering in the Papillion/LaVista school district. The community of teachers she worked with over the years became some of her greatest friendships! 

A lifelong love for music began when she was young, playing piano and singing. She even went to Minnesota to cut a record of church hymns. Mariel loved to sew and made many of her own clothes over the years.  An avid reader, gardener, and fabulous cook, who enjoyed baking and her gourmet dinner group. Her kitchen was always filled with tasty aromas. She was “the hostess with the most-est!” If you were fortunate to have had dinner at the Oftelie's, you were treated to a wonderful meal, formal table, perfectly set, and a glass of wine. 

Mariel will be remembered for her gift of stitching beautiful cross-stitch pictures.  She found this to be very relaxing and loved to give her personal creation to family and friends for birthdays, Christmas and special occasions.  

She was always up for a game of cards, Farkle or dominos.  Phil and Mariel loved traveling to countless destinations in the US and across the globe together and with friends.  She enjoyed being in sunny southern California during the winter.  But she has truly delighted in her role as GeGe and spending time with her 3 great grandchildren over the last 13 years.  

Mariel was encouraged in her faith by the congregations of West Hills Presbyterian and Hope Presbyterian, her small group members and women's bible study groups.  She kept her eyes on Jesus as her Lord and Savior and found great peace in Him.