Marlys Mae Nelson, age 90 of New Ulm died peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, June 12, 2023, at the Mankato Lodge Senior Living Community in Mankato.

Funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm.  Pastor Scott Oelhafen will officiate, and burial will follow in the St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in New Ulm.

Visitation will be from 9-11 am on Friday at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church prior to the service.

The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements at this time.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Marlys is survived by her husband of over 71 years, Einar Nelson of Mankato; her daughters, Kathleen (Rick) Gappa of Nicollet, Peggy (Gary) Dorn of Faribault, Susan Nelson of Mankato, Wendy Nelson of St. Peter; her 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; her sister, LaDonna Kettner of Elk River; and her brothers-in-law, Narve Nelson of rural New Ulm, and Thorild (Ardith) Nelson of Nicollet; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ella Roepke; her father-in-law, and mother-in-law, Gottfred and Alice Nelson; her infant sister, Lillian Roepke; her sister and brother-in-law, Lola and Elmer Gag; her sister-in-law, Vreela Nelson; and her brother-in-law, Donald Kettner.

Marlys Mae Roepke was born on May 2, 1933, in New Ulm to William and Ella (Spiering) Roepke.  Growing up in New Ulm, Marlys was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and was a 1951 graduate from the New Ulm High School.  Marlys was united in marriage to the love of her life, Einar Nelson on February 5, 1952, at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm.  This union blessed the couple with four daughters whom together they raised in rural Nicollet where Marlys worked from the home as a loving mother, homemaker, and provider.  Marlys also volunteered for many years at the Treasure Haus in New Ulm.  Marlys was an individual who loved getting to work with her hands.  Her true passion in life was quilting and sewing.  Marlys was able design and make countless pieces of clothing and crafts, and was also able to gift many treasured quilts over the years.  To relax, she enjoyed reading a good book, baking in her kitchen, completing jigsaw puzzles, playing cards with family and friends, and cheering for the Minnesota Twins.  Marlys was a devout and dedicated member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm.   What Marlys enjoyed most in life was getting to spend time with her family.  She treasured every moment she got to spend with them, and loved getting to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.  Besides her warm, loving heart, Marlys will also be remembered by her family for her famous chocolate chip cookies amongst her other talents in the kitchen and sewing machine.  These memories and countless others will forever stay in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her.  Blessed be her memory.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church or the donor's choice.

Marlys's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring and compassionate staff of the Mayo Hospice of Mankato for all that they do.