Marilyn Nelson

Marilyn (Denn) Nelson, 82 year old resident of Waseca, died Friday morning, October 27, 2017 at her home in Waseca.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 AM on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Church of the Sacred Heart in Waseca. Interment will follow in Woodville Cemetery in Waseca. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Service ~ McRaith Chapel of Waseca. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or School, Santa Anonymous or Real Life Church of Waseca.
www.wasecafuneral.com


Marilyn Nelson, was born on May 12, 1935 at her family home in Beauford Township to Aloysius and Esther (Koch) Denn. She was born with a twin brother Marlyn, also having brothers Lowell, Albert and a sister, Edna Mae, who passed away early in her life.
Marilyn graduated from Waseca Central High School. On December 28, 1954 Marilyn married Dwain D. Nelson, together they raised three sons: Blain (Jody), Blair (Deanne) and Blake (Robin).
Her first job was the Switchboard Operator at E.F. Johnson in Waseca. She was hired as the first Meter Maid in Owatonna in 1965. She was happiest when she was at her husband of 50+ years side. Together they ran Freds Place Hamburgers in Owatonna and Golds Grill in Albert Lea, where she waitressed with a smile and always enjoyed a tip.
Moving to Waseca in late 1967, Marilyn and Dwain owned and operated Farmers Insurance Group in downtown Waseca for 40 years until their retirement in 2007. Marilyn was the support and foundation of the insurance office.
Marilyn was the lemonade lady for over 50 years at the Steele and Waseca County Fairs. She got her wish and never had to retire from the Nelson Lemonade Stand as she loved fair time and visiting with everyone.
Marilyns three sons married, and she loved and appreciated the fine spouses of each of her sons. These unions produced nine grandchildren: Lyric (Jon) Butler, Brock (Karissa) Nelson, Bayli (Michael) Baker, Nikki (Chas) Benson, Tenille Nelson, Taylor (Chad) Ziemke, Kelvin (Katie) Nelson, and Shanly Nelson and these children brought her much delight. She was very proud and loved each of them. Marilyn was able to share her energy, love and affection to her ten great grandchildren who all adored her: Brayden and Brooks Butler, Braxton, Kinsley, and Brolin Nelson, Easton and Payton Baker, Madalyn and Annabelle Benson, and Evelyn Nelson.
A Christian woman, she loved to share her faith in Jesus with all. She was a devoted prayer warrior for family and friends. Marilyn was a former Eucharistic Minister and performed other volunteer roles at Sacred Heart.
She is fondly remembered by her loving companion of many years, Robert Westphal.
Marilyn was preceded in death by: her loving husband Dwain, infant grandson Tyler Nelson (Blair and Deanne), her parents; her mother and father-in-law, sister, and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.