Olga Fassler

It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our beloved mother, Olga Jungkind Fassler, who peacefully passed away on May 15, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on October 10, 1932, in Russia to David and Rose Jungkind, Olga spent her early childhood surrounded by the beauty of her homeland.

During the tumultuous years of World War II, Olga journeyed westward, eventually finding refuge in Switzerland, where she met her future husband, Friedbert Fassler. They married in 1956 in Basel, Switzerland, and shortly thereafter immigrated to the United States to build a new life together.

Olga and Friedbert settled in Bristol, Illinois, where she devoted herself to raising their children. They also welcomed and supported many European immigrants into their home as they navigated a fresh start in the land of opportunity. Over the years, they lived in Oswego, Illinois; Waupaca, Wisconsin; and finally, Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Olga was an active member of All Saints Lutheran Church.

Throughout her life, Olga was an avid gardener, taking great pride in her home, gardens, and family. Her greatest joy came from welcoming loved ones home for holiday celebrations and family gatherings. She deeply appreciated music, enjoyed collecting Hummel figurines, and was passionate about international travel. As a member of the Germans from Russia Historical Society, Olga made two meaningful trips to explore her ancestry and family history.

Olga was a gifted seamstress, knitter, crocheter, quilt maker, gardener, baker, and cook. Over the years, she made several custom wedding dresses with hand-sewn pearls for family and friends. Some dresses included special surprises, such as a lace cow sewn into the crinoline of the dress she made for her niece, who married a farmer. Her one-of-a-kind Christmas stockings are works of art deeply cherished by family and friends. Her cooking and baking were master-chef level, and when asked why everything she made was so delicious, she replied, "Because I always make it with love." What a blessing her love was for all of us who received it!

Olga is preceded in death by her husband, Friedbert, who passed away in 2008, and her siblings: Anton, Anne, Walter, and Marichen.

Her four children survive her: Cornelia Smith-Fassler of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Thomas Fassler of Beijing, China; Jacqueline (Tod) Fassler-Kerstetter of Manhattan, Kansas; and Catherine Fassler Patterson of Bloomington, Illinois. Olga was a cherished grandmother to seven grandchildren: Dennis Robbins, Mariah Smith-Fassler, Ali Smith-Fassler, Keaton Smith-Fassler, Isabella (Abraham) Guo, David Kerstetter, and Jordan Kerstetter. She also leaves behind one great-grandchild, Aerielle Robbins.

Olga will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Cemetery. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, resilience, and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dementia Society of America, in memory of Olga Jungkind Fassler, to support programs for education, research, and direct support for those with dementia. Donations can be made online www.dementiasociety.org/donate or mailed to P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.