Mable Irene Handeland, 93, of Austin, formerly of rural Oakland, died Sunday evening, Jan. 9, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea.

She was born April 10, 1917, to Sever and Guri (Opdahl) Bidne in Freeborn County, where she grew up and attended school. After graduating from Alden High School, Mable attended teacher’s college and taught at a rural school until her marriage to Ernest Gordon Handeland on June 23, 1939.

Her proudest achievement was the farm located south of Oakland that she shared with her husband. Mable will be remembered for the dozens of beautiful quilts that she hand stitched. She enjoyed playing Scrabble and made great lefse.

A member of Trondhjem Lutheran Church, she served as the organist for many years and was a member of the church council. Ernest died on Aug. 17, 1998.

Mable is survived by her children: Ione Johnson (Duane Lindsey) of Bemidji; Elaine (David) Macy of Mission Viejo, Calif.; Cynthia (Pr. Bruce) Hannem of Nisswa; Gordon (Donna) Handeland of Austin; sister, Cora Honsey of Albert Lea; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernest; an infant son and a daughter, Hazel; three brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 15, 2010, at Hayward Lutheran Church with Reverend Katie Fick officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday at Worlein Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Trondhjem Lutheran Cemetery, rural Oakland. Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, is in charge of arrangements.

The family prefers memorials to Trondhjem Lutheran Church or Trondhjem Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com