Marlene Mae Nickel

Marlene M. Nickel
Age 86, mom passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 11, 2024. She was born in Hastings, MN on December 5, 1937. Mom fought a good fight with dementia as the disease slowly took away her warm, loving, and bright personality. She was the oldest of three children, born to Harold and Leona Ruhr.
Mom had an avid love for children. She worked at Sunnyside Elementary School for twenty-five years, first as a para, then assisting teachers in classrooms, and finally working with children having learning disabilities. She thrived for many years in these roles, spending countless hours at work and home, planning lessons, helping to instruct the children, and loving them where they were in their life. When her grandchildren were born a new love was born in mom's heart.
Another passion of mom's was her church, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Brighton. She loved everything Catholic and especially Father Paul whom she had many warm conversations. Mom and dad spent countless hours with the church community, from volunteering at the Fall Festival and being involved in Prime Timers, to working with engaged couples. Mom loved the Mass and gave out communion to the church members and was an avid part of putting together a book of the churches' history. Church was especially important to mom and dad and was a major contributor in adding a multitude of friends to their lives. We will miss our dear and sweet mom greatly.
Survived by brother, Bob Ruhr; sister, Shirley Scroggins; daughters, Terri and Diane; grandkids, Julie, Michelle, Taylor and Kaleb; great-grandchildren, Blake, Brooklynn, Brody, Mason and Mackenzie; as well as many dear relatives.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, May 21st at 10:30 AM (Visitation 9:30 - 10:30 AM) at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church; 835 - 2nd Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN. Luncheon following.