Marilyn Yvonne Nielsen

Marilyn Yvonne Nielsen RACINE – Marilyn Yvonne Nielsen, 81, passed away on December 15, 2012, at her residence with her family by her side. Marilyn was born in Racine on March 12, 1931, the daughter of the late Harold W. and Ruth M. (nee: Nelson) Holm. Marilyn was a graduate of Washington Park High School. Following high school she attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Continuing her education, Marilyn attended and graduated from Wisconsin State College of Milwaukee in January of 1954 with a degree in Lower Elementary Education. Before marriage Marilyn taught nursery school and day care at Family Services of Racine. Marilyn was united in marriage to Rev. LeVern Nielsen on February 9, 1957 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Racine. Through LeVern’s vocation as a Lutheran minister they lived in several cities in the Midwest including Sioux City, Iowa; Stoughton, Wisconsin; Orfordville, Wisconsin; and Elk Horn, Iowa. During her marriage Marilyn was employed at Skaalen Sunset Home in Stoughton for 17 years. Marilyn worked in the Activity Department and the last six of those years as a Volunteer Coordinator, which included coordinating individuals and churches for volunteer work at the Home. While in Elk Horn, Iowa Marilyn was the volunteer coordinator for the Danish Immigrant Museum. She had also been a volunteer at the Danish American Archives and Library in Blair, Nebraska. In Racine, Marilyn has volunteered for the Lincoln Lutheran Auxiliary since 1998 and Habitat for Humanity. Marilyn was a member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Racine. Marilyn enjoyed traveling and gardening. Marilyn is survived by her children; Karen Nielsen of Racine, Rev. Erik (Mary) Nielsen of Vienna, WV, Lisa Nielsen of St. Marys, GA and Deaconess Ruth (Dale) Mortensen of North Olmsted, OH, grandchildren; Christian Levin-Nielsen, Abraham Levin-Nielsen, Kiernan Levin-Nielsen, Emma Levin-Nielsen, Signe Mortensen and Luke Mortensen; Great grandsons Joshua Levin-Nielsen and Jakob Levin-Nielsen. She is further survived by a brother, Harold (Grace) Holm II of Racine, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Phyllis Nielsen of Yankton, SD, Elva Nielsen of Cedar Falls, IA, Charles Doidge of Eden Prairie, MN, Betty Nielsen of Edina, MN, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Rev. LeVern on October 14, 2012, one sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Harold Amland. Funeral services will be held at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio Street, on Friday December 21, 2012, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Greg Van Dunk officiating. Marilyn will be laid to rest in a private ceremony. Visitation will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Thursday from 6 until 8 p.m. and at church on Friday from 10 until 10:45 a.m. with service scheduled at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Marilyn in a special way may direct memorials to the Danish American Archives and Library, 1738 Washington Street, Blair, NE 68008, Danish Immigrant Museum, 2212 Washington St. Elk Horn, Iowa, 51531, Lincoln Lutheran Auxiliary, Racine, WI, Women of the Church at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.

Tributes

Marilyn Yvonne Nielsen

March 12, 1931 - December 15, 2012