Marilyn Nelson

Marilyn Carol Nelson passed away on August 1, 2017, at Parkwood Senior Living in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Marilyn was born on September 9, 1932 to John and Clara (Gullickson) Klootwyk in Larimore, North Dakota, much to the delight of her big brother Bob.   She was raised in the Gilby-Honeyford area.  Marilyn “Klooty” attended school at Honeyford #38 and graduated from Gilby High School in 1950.  After graduation, she attended Deaconess Hospital Nursing School in Grand Forks.  On November 9, 1951, she married Marvin G. Nelson.  Marilyn was active in her community as a 4-H leader of the Sunny Home Helpers, 18 year member of the Midway School Board and an assessor for Gilby Township.   She was a lifetime member of the Gilby Presbyterian Church, was active in the Presbytery and held the position of Moderator of Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery. Marilyn had great fun running “Nelson Tours” for several years.  She enjoyed arranging short bus trips to North Dakota and Minnesota attractions for people of the local communities. Marilyn and Marvin farmed until their retirement in 1996. Marvin passed away on August 8, 2006, and in 2008 Marilyn moved from Gilby into Grand Forks.  For the last year and a half she was a resident of Parkwood Senior Living. Marilyn loved having her family all together. We will miss her traditional Christmas Eve dinner of lutefisk, lefse, meatballs, and the infamous raspberry salad, as well as Christmas morning cinnamon rolls.  She enjoyed her frequent trips to Whitey’s for walleye with her grandson, Rob. Marilyn is survived by her daughter Debra (Felix) McGowan, Poplar, Mt., Craig (Sue), Grand Rapids, MN and Tim (Jane), Forest River, ND; 7 grandchildren, Felix Michael (Leah), Scott (Stephanie), Matt (Karli), Brittani (Josh), Rob, Jill (Jared) and Sara.  She also leaves behind 12 great grandchildren, 3 nephews and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Marvin, brother Robert, and niece, Beth Gonitzke. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Parkwood Senior Living and Altru Hospice for their friendship and compassion shown toward our Mother. Funeral Service will be held Monday, August 7, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Gilby Presbyterian Church, Gilby, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 6, 2017 from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks and will continue 1 hour prior to the start of the funeral at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marilyn’s memory may be made to Gilby Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 63, Gilby, ND  58235.