Marian A. Nelson Obituary (1931 - 2013)

Marian A. Nelson, age 82, of Knapp, WI passed away Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013 at Mayo Clinic Health System-Eau Claire surrounded by her family. The former Marian Ann Benitz was born Sept. 28, 1931 in the Town of Hay River, Dunn Co. WI to Max and Ethel (Lake) Benitz. She was raised in the Boyceville area and graduated from Boyceville High School in 1949. Marian attended Dunn County Teachers College graduating in 1951 and then taught a few years at Pine Grove a little one room school in the Boyceville area. On April 17, 1953, Marian married Merlin Nelson at United Methodist Church in Boyceville. To this union five children were born, Dennis, Gary, Harold, Peggy and Cindy. They lived in Minneapolis for four years, moving to Knapp in 1957 where they have resided until now. Marian worked at the Knapp House, did child care for many children, later becoming Post Master at the Knapp Post Office until retiring. Marian was very involved in her community becoming one of the first women in the Knapp Lions Club. She was an active member of the Knapp United Methodist Church and on the Knapp Village Board. Marian loved people and being outside enjoying her back yard, which was the Knapp Memorial Park, and her beautiful flower gardens. She loved spending time visiting friends and family, especially her lunches after church on Sunday and the Wednesday night gathering with very close friends. Marian touched many lives and will be remembered by many. Marian is survived by her children, Dennis (Jana) Nelson of Wisconsin Rapids, Gary (Susan) Nelson of Orlando, FL, Harold (Deb) Nelson of Baraboo, Peggy Neubauer of Menomonie, Cindy (Greg) Valley of Bradenton, FL; 12 grandchildren (her grand angels) Jonathan (Jordan) Neubauer, Sara Neubauer, Zach Nelson, Rachel Nelson, Justin Nelson, Reed Nelson, Angela Neubauer, Mitchell Valley, Veronica Nelson, Jessica Nelson, Danielle Valley and Noah Nelson; one sister, Elsie Miller; two brothers, Lewie (Joyce) Benitz and Bill Benitz; two sisters-in-law, Ruby Schlottman and Carmen Mellon; nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin; her parents Max and Ethel Benitz; her in-laws, Melvin and Lorraine Nelson and son-in-law Ron Neubauer. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30, 2013 at Knapp United Methodist Church with Pastor Paul Foulke and Pastor Tim Matthaei officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in the Town of Stanton, Dunn Co. WI. There will be visitation from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday.