Marlene Joyce Nelson

Marlene Joyce Nelson (née Bensch), 85, of Elmhurst, IL, formerly of Winamac and Griffith, IN, peacefully passed away on September 7, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on February 13, 1939, in Elbow Lake, MN, Marlene was the daughter of Gustav and Esther (Struck) Bensch. She married Arnold (Arnie) Nelson on June 28, 1957, in Nashua, MN. The couple's journey took them through Texas and Michigan before settling in Indiana, where they raised their family.
Marlene dedicated 28 years as the school secretary at Wadsworth Elementary in Griffith, IN. Her warm smile, kindness, and collection of beanie babies were endeared by her students and staff. She retired in 1998 and she and Arnie moved to Winamac, IN where Marlene continued her passion for cooking and canning pickles; affectionately earning the nickname "the pickle lady." When she wasn't canning, you could often find her watching hundreds of her beloved hummingbirds, which she welcomed to the feeder outside her window. She was also actively involved with the ladies auxiliary VFW Post #1728 in Winamac, where she enjoyed cooking for events and helping with the weekly Bingo game.
Marlene's most cherished role was as "GMa" (Grandma). She loved spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren continuing one of her favorite traditions of baking and decorating Christmas sugar cookies each year. After Arnie's passing in 2010, Marlene moved to Elmhurst, IL, to be closer to her daughter Kay and her family in 2016. She embraced her new home and she enjoyed frequent visits with her daughter and grandchildren. She was quick to make new friends and loved playing bingo and poker with them.
Marlene is survived by her sons, Mark (Diann) Nelson and Matthew (Christine) Nelson; daughter Kay (Darrin Doan) Nelson; and daughter-in-law Jeanne Nelson; Brother in Law, Nels (Mary) Nelson. She is also survived by her grandchildren, David (Keri) Nelson, Heather (Mike) Doane, Ken Nelson, Kim Nelson, Jared Nelson Doan, and Spencer Nelson Doan; great-grandchildren, Andrew Nelson, Isabelle Doane, Tristan Nelson, and Evelyn Doane; many Nieces and Nephews and her fluffy dog, Bella Star.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Arnie Nelson and their cherished son Bruce Nelson; her parents, Gustav and Esther Bensch; her sisters, Dorothy (Beryl) Bratton and Delorse (Harvey) Lohse; and her brother Lester (Bette) Bensch.
Marlene (Mar) was a strong woman whose kindness, fun-loving spirit, and friendship touched many lives. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A graveside service will be held at McKinley Memorial Gardens in Winamac, Indiana, on September 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon at the Winamac VFW. For local friends and family, a celebration of Marlene's life will be held at 100 South Restaurant in Elmhurst, IL, on September 28 from noon to 3:00 PM.