Marvel Elaine Nielsen, age 91, of rural Balsam Lake 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 Nielson 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 at Rowe Funeral Home, Luck, WI Monday, April 28th, 4-7 pm.

Celebration of Life at Luck Lutheran Church, Luck, WI Tuesday April 29th.

Visitation: 10 am and Service at 11 am.

Last Update: Apr 25, 2025 1:22 pm CDT