Marlene Nelson

Published April 03, 2020 at 10:14 AM

Marlene Joan Nelson, age 84, passed away peacefully in her home on April 2, 2020, after a short illness with her family by her side.

She was born on February 19, 1936, and raised on a farm near Holt, Minnesota. She received her primary education in Holt and graduated from Thief River Falls High School. The highlight of her high school was playing the marching band.

A blind date, by mutual friends, brought Luther Nelson into her life. The date went well, they united in 1954 and were happily married for fifty years. After their marriage they first settled in Warren, Minnesota to start their lives together. In 1960 the couple moved to McVille, became a part of the community, lived their lives and raised their family.

On numerous occasions throughout her life she would reminisce, beginning at the age of five, of being a nurse. That dream never left her. In her life she worked many years as the secretary at McVille Lutheran Church, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and belonged to many organizations within the church. She also volunteered at the Nelson County Care Center fixing hair for the residents.

Interests and hobbies always kept her going. Traveling, camping, cooking, grandchildren’s events, quilting, sewing, singing and gardening. The landscape garden in her yard was a labor of love and a sight to behold.

Marlene leaves behind two children, David (Polly) Nelson of Bismarck, ND; Diane (Dennis) Montplaisir of Hamel, MN; six grandchildren, David Paul (Jen) Nelson, Kirsten (Corey) Wald, Brian Nelson, Brent (Ashley) Nelson, Matthew Monplaisir and Amanda Montplaisir, and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Molly and Lucy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Luther; parents William and Matilda (Daeffler) Holst; sister Irene, and brothers-in-law Oscar Fosholm, Bernie Diercks, Vernon Swan, Palmer Nelson, and Orville Nelson.

Funeral services will be scheduled at a later date at McVille Lutheran Church and burial at the McVille Cemetery.

Special thank you from the family to the doctors, nurses and staff of Sanford Fargo’s Critical Care ICU & Med/Surg Departments; Nelson County Health System in McVille; and the Altru Hospice Staff for your attentiveness and care.