Marlene J. “Mar” Nelson
Marlene Nelson, 85, of Elmhurst, Illinois, passed away Sept. 7.
She was born on February 13, 1939, in Elbow Lake, Minnesota to Gustav and Esther (Struck) Bensch. She married Arnold Nelson on June 28, 1957, in Nashua, Minnesota. The couple’s journey took them through Texas and Michigan before settling in Indiana where they raised their family. Marlene dedicated 28 years as the school secretary at Wadsworth Elementary in Griffith, retiring in 1998. Her warm smile, kindness, and collection of beanie babies were endeared by her students and staff.
After retiring, Marlene and Arnie moved to Winamac where she continued her passion for cooking and canning pickles – affectionately earning her the nickname “the pickle lady.” When Marlene wasn’t canning, you could often find her watching hundreds of her beloved hummingbirds which she welcomed to the feeder outside her window. She was also actively involved with the VFW Auxiliary Post #1728 where she enjoyed cooking for events and helping with the weekly bingo game. Marlene’s most cherished role was as Grandma. She loved spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren – continuing one of her favorite traditions of baking and decorating Christmas sugar cookies each year.
In 2016, Marlene moved to Elmhurst to be closer to family. She embraced her new home and especially enjoyed frequent visits with her daughter and grandchildren. She was quick to make new friends and loved playing bingo and poker with them. Marlene was a strong woman whose kindness, fun-loving spirit and friendship touched many lives. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Marlene is survived by three children: Mark, Matthew, and Kay; six grandchildren, David, Heather, Ken, Kim, Jared, and Spencer; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband as well as a son, Bruce; and three siblings.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition).
Memorial contributions may be made to AdventHealth St. Thomas Hospice.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
(Pulaski County Journal — Sept. 18, 2024)