Marlene Mae Stromlund-Nelson

Marlene Mae Stromlund-Nelson, 70, of Springfield, Missouri, peacefully graduated to heaven on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a valiant fight with lung cancer.
Marlene was the fifth child born to Albert Harold and Eileen Gail Holmstrom Stromlund at Karlstad Hospital in Karlstad, Minnesota, on July 15, 1955. As the baby of the family, she loved to claim she was her mother's favorite. She moved to the Ozarks when her parents attended Bible college. Marlene met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Nelson, while working as a waitress at Kresge's in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Bob came in during coffee breaks and a romance bloomed. They married on July 14, 1984, at Grace Bible Church in Springfield, Missouri. Sharing nearly 50 years together, they were a testament to the power of unconditional love through life's joys and difficulties.
Marlene excelled in marketing and sales; she was known for her ease in conversation. As a young adult, she further developed her love of music while working for Saginaw WKNX Radio Station. Then, she transitioned to American Tobacco. Later she found her niche, working for over 30 years as a top sales performer between Planters Life Savers and Kraft Foods. After retirement, she cherished working with her sisters doing property renovations. Her strong work ethic, natural talent and attention to detail resulted in success and many friendships that she maintained until the very end.
Beyond her work, Marlene lived life to the fullest. She was a loving and involved grandparent who encouraged creative pursuits, independent thinking, and supported in any way she could. Her great-grandchildren called her the "coolest grandma." Her gentle soul for animals resulted in many rescues. Marlene's creative spirit and love for crafts was evident; we cherish her handmade cards and thoughtful gifts. She was the heartbeat of her family making every gathering memorable. Blessed with a sharp wit, keen sense of humor, and outgoing nature, she was up for anything. To know Marlene, was to know integrity, loyalty, love, patience and kindness.
Marlene will be reunited in heaven with her parents, Albert & Eileen Stromlund; her step-father, Ivan Atkinson; her grandparents, Victor and Pearl Holmstrom and Jonas and Alma Stromlund; a great-granddaughter, Brinley Stanley; and a nephew, Robert "Robbie" Freiburger. Her faith was strong, and she wished that her family and friends would one day join her in heaven.
Her greatest joy came from her family. She is survived by her husband, Robert Nelson of Springfield, Missouri; her son, Michael Nelson of Springfield; her daughter, Suzanne (John) Gamelin of Brimley, Michigan; her grandchildren, Chase (Lauren) Gamelin of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Tori (Tom) Hanke of Boston, Massachusetts, Natasha (Justin) Stanley of Fair Grove, Missouri; and her great-grandchildren, Blake, Bailey, and Barrett Stanley. She is also survived by her siblings, Rodney (Ruth) Stromlund of Harrison, Ruth (Alvan) Blood of Springfield, Barbara (Robert) Rueter of Springfield, Allan (Susie) Stromlund of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, and Mark (Charlotte) Warren of Athens, Georgia; her brother-in-law, Tim (Becky) Nelson of Louisville, Kentucky; cherished friend, Holly Nelson of Springfield; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at The Church at Silver Valley, 2262 Milam Cemetery Road North, in Harrison, with the Rev. Rodney Stromlund officiating. Burial will be Milam Cemetery under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
Pallbearers will be Michael Nelson, Justin Stanley, Blake Stanley, David Blood, Todd Carlton, and Khris Carlton.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 15th, prior to the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to Milam Cemetery Fund, Jeannie Olsen, 2551 Clover Lane, Harrison, Arkansas 72601 or C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue, 1328 West Sunshine Street, Springfield, Missouri 65807.
The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.HoltChapel.com.