Obituaries

February 13, 1939 to September 7, 2024

WINAMAC - Marlene Joyce “Mar” Nelson, 85, of Elmhurst, IL (formerly of Winamac and Griffith) passed away peacefully Sept. 7, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Feb. 13, 1939 in Elbow Lake, MN to the late Gustav and Esther [Struck] Bensch. She married Arnold “Arnie” Nelson on June 28, 1957, in Nashua, MN. He passed away Sept. 11, 2010. The couple’s journey took them through Texas and Michigan before settling in Indiana where they raised their family.

Mar Nelson

She is survived by:
Mark (Diann) Nelson, Son
Matthew (Christine) Nelson Son
Kay (Darrin Doan) Nelson, Daughter
Grandchildren: David (Keri) Nelson, Heather (Mike) Doane, Ken Nelson, Kim Nelson, Jared Nelson Doan, and Spencer Nelson Doan.
Great-grandchildren: Andrew Nelson, Isabelle Doane, Tristan Nelson, and Evelyn Doane.
Nels (Mary) Nelson, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Bella Star, her fluffy dog

She was preceded in death by:
Bruce Nelson, Son
Dorothy (Beryl) Bratton, Sister
Delorse (Harvey) Lohse, Sister
Lester (Bette) Bensch, Brother

Mrs. Nelson dedicated 28 years as the school secretary at Wadsworth Elementary in Griffith, retiring in 1998. Her warm smile, kindness, and collection of beanie babies endeared her to students and staff. After retiring, she and her husband 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, she could often be found 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 in Winamac, where she enjoyed cooking for events and helping with the weekly bingo game.

Her most cherished role was as “GMa” (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, she moved to Elmhurst, IL, to be closer to her daughter, Kay, and her 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. She 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.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. It will be followed by a luncheon at the Winamac VFW. A celebration of Marlene’s life service will be at 12 noon to 3 p.m. CT Saturday, Sept. 28, at 100 South Restaurant in Elmhurst, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to AdventHhealth St. Thomas Hospice.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortary.com

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.