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Marilyn Y. Nielsen

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Submitted by agreve on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 08:13

Marilyn Yvonne Nielsen, 88, of Elkader, passed away on March 6, 2025, at the Elkader Care Center from congestive heart failure. 

Funeral services and visitation were Saturday, April 5, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader, conducted by Rev. Paula Anderson.

Inurnment was at East Side Cemetery in Elkader.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader assisted the family.

Marilyn was born on Oct. 4, 1936, on the family farm outside of Guttenberg, to Arnold and Bernice Backes.  

She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran church in Guttenberg, and later graduated from Guttenberg High School.

After graduation, Marilyn worked at Elkader Wire and Display and later at a few local retail stores.  She married Harry Nielsen on July 6, 1966, in Las Vegas, NV.  Marilyn and Harry had many wonderful trips together, to Wisconsin, Florida, Nevada and California.

Marilyn was a big collector of many things, especially antiques, shoes, and she was very proud of her collection of chicken figurines and items.  She liked to quilt, do crossword puzzles and golf.    She was the ladies golf champion at the Elkader Golf Course in 1989 and 1990.   

For 35 years she was the co-chair for the annual Elkader Hospital Rummage Sale, and received the Governor’s Volunteer Award for her service.  She also was involved with Stephen’s Ministry for several years. Marilyn was a breast cancer survivor for over 30 years.  

A special thank you to all her friends and caregivers who gave Marilyn support and compassion throughout her journey. 

She is survived by  her children, Peg Heiden, Debra (Brad) Orvis and Douglas Nielsen; her brother, Gary (Connie) Backes and sister, Carol Tomkins; daughter-in-law, Judy Nielsen; several grandchildren, Ryan Ritchie, Ashley Noethe, Erik Orvis, Jason Orvis, Allison Halsmer, Holly Wille, Molly Anderson, Kyle Pedretti, Katie Vorwald, Chantal Roberts, Storm Huinker; eighteen great-grandchildren and many friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband; two children, Dan Nielsen and Dody Huinker; brother-in-law, Ken Tomkins and nephew, Randy Tomkins.

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