Marie Nelson

COTTONWOOD–A private family graveside service will be held for Marie Nelson, 84, of Tyler, at Christ Lutheran Cemetery in Cottonwood.

Marie Ann Nelson was born on April 22, 1941, in Montevideo, to Wilbur and Thilda (Anderson) Nelson. Marie graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1960. She then attended Augustana University, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. Marie worked for the Social Security Administration in Kansas City, MO, first as a benefit authorizer, then for over 20 years as a claims authorizer. She moved to Minnesota in 1997 after her retirement to be closer to family.

Marie faced many physical hardships in her life due to being diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 18 months old. Despite this setback, she was proud to be independent and perseverant. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, listening to music, playing cards, and sitting outdoors. She also did many crosswords and word puzzles, which kept her mind sharp throughout her life. Marie was a member of First Lutheran Church in Marshall.

Marie died on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Avera Sunrise Manor in Tyler. She is survived by her brother Elton Nelson of Damascus, MD; nieces and nephews Deb (Dale) Louwagie, Dave (fiancée Marcy) Nelson, Kelly (Aslan) Golant, Carrie Nelson, and Mike (Zenaida) Nelson; 8 great-nieces and nephews and 6 great-great-nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Norman (Shirley) Nelson.

Arrangements with Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association Echo, Minnesota www.sunsetfuneralassociation.com