Charyel Lee (Brown) Osland, age 84 of Walnut Grove, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Pine View Assisted Living in Windom. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 21, 2025 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, rural Walnut Grove. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 20 at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home, and will continue one hour prior to the service at church. Burial is in the church cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Charyel Lee (Brown) Osland was born on May 2, 1941, in Banning, California, to E. Sherrill and Iola (Blegen) Brown. After Sherrill went missing in action in the Philippines during WWII, Charyel’s mother, Iola, later married Arthur Frank, whom Charyel lovingly and respectfully called “Dad.” Charyel was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Charyel grew up in Revere, Minnesota, and graduated from Walnut Grove High School. On December 30, 1961, Charyel was united in marriage to Robert Hedman Osland at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. The couple began their married life on a rented farm where they raised their two sons, and later moved to the Osland family farm where Robert grew up. Alongside helping Robert with the farm work, Charyel dedicated many years to caring for others through her work in nursing at the Tracy Municipal Hospital. She had a deeply compassionate heart and was always ready to lend a helping hand. When Robert’s health declined, she cared for him with unwavering devotion and strength. Family was the center of Charyel’s world. She loved being involved in her sons’ activities, especially volunteering to prepare hearty meals for the basketball teams each season. Her sons’ birthdays were celebrated in true Charyel fashion, with homemade cakes, laughter, and a house full of joy. When her sons later blessed her with grandchildren, she embraced her role as “Grandma” wholeheartedly. She cherished every moment with them, often asking for “just a little more time.” Her grandchildren will forever treasure the memories of their time together. Charyel’s fun-loving spirit shone brightly in her friendships. As a member of the group affectionately known as “Velma’s Girls,” she joined friends in dressing up in playful costumes for outings and visits—bringing laughter, warmth, and joy wherever they went. She was also an exceptional cook and baker, well-known for her caramel nut logs, pies, and famous popcorn balls. Whether at home, church, or in the community, Charyel’s kitchen creations were a symbol of her love and generosity. Charyel will be remembered for her selfless heart, quick wit, and the way she made everyone feel special. Her love and light will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Charyel is survived by her sons: Craig (Lori) Osland of Mason City, IA and Chad (Pam) Osland of Bingham Lake, MN; grandchildren: Blake Osland, Shannon (fiancé Allie) Osland, Weston Osland, and Carly Osland; siblings: Julie (Doug) Gardner, Jackie (Jerry) Mollenhauer, and Mark Frank; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents: Sherrill, Iola, and Arthur, and husband Robert.