Marlene Mae Nelson

Marlene Mae Nelson, age 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, surrounded by her family. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in rural Glenville. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 4 to 6 PM at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home and for one hour prior to service at the church on Monday. Burial will be at Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery.

Marlene Mae Nelson (Broitzman) was born in Gordonsville, MN to Martin and Ingebor (Oakland) on April 11, 1943. She grew up in the Glenville area and graduated from Glenville High School. On July 9, 1961, Marlene was united in marriage to the love of her life, David Nelson, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The couple made their home on the family farm until their retirement. Marlene was a devoted farm wife, taking care of the children and often helping David with farm work.

Marlene was very strong in her faith. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, helped organize vacation bible school and volunteered in her women’s circle. She was a devoted 4-H leader and in her free time, she enjoyed cooking and baking (especially Christmas cookies), golfing, sewing her children’s clothes, and crafting. Marlene loved children and was very giving of her time. She babysat many children, treating them as her own. Her greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Marlene is survived by her beloved sons, Ricky (Audra) Nelson, Rodney Nelson, Bradley (Irene) Nelson; her cherished grandchildren, Sophia (Grant) Stevens, Grant (Audra) Nelson, Reece Nelson, and Justine Nelson; her loving sisters, Betty Broitzman and Carolyn Yocom; sister-in-law Debbie Broitzman and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband David Nelson; her beloved son, Wayne David Nelson; her parents, Martin and Ingebor Broitzman; her parents-in-law, Norville and Elsie Nelson; her brother, Duane (DB) Broitzman; her brother-in-law, Ron Yocom and her grandnephew Holden James Broitzman.