Marvel Elaine Nielsen, age 91, of rural Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, passed away on April 23, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her daughters, Marlaine, Julie, Lori and Joy.
She was born in Cando, North Dakota on July 20, 1933, the daughter of Oscar and Anna Dahl and sister of Lucille. Marvel grew up on a wheat farm in rural Cando and graduated from Cando High School. She enjoyed playing tenor saxophone in the band, singing in the high school choir, and attending 4-H Club. After high school, she went to nursing school and became a registered nurse.
Her first job was at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Minneapolis, where she met Alfred who owned and ran a small grocery store nearby. Marvel married Alfred Nielsen on October 22, 1955 in Bisbee, North Dakota. Together they made their home in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin where they raised their four daughters and operated Hunky Dory, a summer resort. There, Marvel cooked meals, baked, organized activities and led worship on Sundays, where she was able to share her faith in Jesus, which she also passed down to her family. In the evenings, she ran the canteen, scooping many ice cream cones. She had the gift of hospitality and made many life-long friends. Marvel also worked as a nurse at St. Croix Falls Hospital.
She was a long-time member of Georgetown Lutheran Church, where she was the Sunday School Superintendent, played organ, was involved in women’s ministries and enjoyed making quilts for Lutheran World Relief. She also enjoyed being a part of Georgettes Homemakers Club and singing in the Sweet Adelines Women’s Chorus.
Marvel was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Anna Dahl; sister, Lucille Richey; husband, Alfred Nielsen Jr.; and son-in-law, Larry Grimsley. Also, in-laws, Alfred Nielsen Sr., Lily Nielsen and later Rachel Nielsen.
She is survived by her children, Marlaine (John) Aune, Julie Grimsley, Lori (Greg) Krohnfeldt and Joy (Henry) Soldner; grandchildren, Heather Aune, Steven (Bitsy) Aune, Jason Aune, Angela (Menno) Zweers, Andrew (Samantha) Grimsley, Amanda Grimsley, Jeremy (Abby) Krohnfeldt, Aaron Krohnfeldt, Katelyn Krohnfeldt, Luke Soldner and Simon Soldner; great-grandchildren, Hendrik Zweers, Elsi Zweers, Holland Zweers, Sydney Grimsley, Allegra Grimsley and Weston Grimsley; also, many relatives and friends.
Visitation will be at Rowe Funeral Home, Luck, Wisconsin, Monday, April 28, 4-7 p.m.
A Celebration of Life will be at Luck Lutheran Church, Luck, Wisconsin, Tuesday, April 29, with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown, nwwicremationcenter.com.
