Marlene "Marlys" Nelson, 90, of Rochester, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Saint Marys Hospital.

Marlys was born November 20, 1933 in Bird Island, MN to William and Theresa (Brey) Gass.  She attended and graduated from St. Mary's Catholic grade and high school in Bird Island.  In 1955, Marlys moved to Rochester, where she attended St. Marys School of Nursing.  She worked at Saint Marys Hospital for 36 years as an LPN in Orthopedics.  She was a recipient of the distinguished Karis Award in recognition of her caring and compassion for patients, as nominated by her fellow nursing staff.  During her employment at Saint Marys Hospital, Marlys met Richard (Dick) Nelson, and they were later united in marriage on November 16, 1963, at St. John's Catholic Church. Marlys and Dick celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a family party. Marlys retired early so that she could step into the most rewarding and meaningful role of being a grandmother.  Her love and commitment to her grandchildren and family as a whole was unwavering and unselfish.

Her greatest legacy is that of the family protector.  She began taking care of her grandchildren one by one as they were born, showering them with love and devotion.  She had a servant's heart and spent many hours volunteering her time to be of comfort to others. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens, reading, and baking goodies, especially brownies for her grandchildren.  Marlys, a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, had an undying faith and was a true servant of God.  She was compassionate, loving, selfless but also strong-willed and a fierce defender of her family.  She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Marlys is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dick; children, David (Katherine) Nelson, Jane Nelson, Cindy (Jeff) Kallis; grandchildren, Caleb Kallis, Christopher (Riley) Kallis, Matthew Kallis, Logan Nelson, Ryan Nelson and Grace Nelson and sister-in-law Eilene Gass.

Marlys was preceded in death by her sisters, Catherine Lingl and Mary Ann Chladek; brother, William Gass Jr., and by her parents, William and Theresa.

A Celebration of Marlys's life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 3rd Ave. SE, Rochester, MN with visitation at 9:30 AM.  Pastor Anjanette Bandel will be officiating with burial at Oakwood East Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to Family Service Rochester, Channel One Food Bank, Seasons Hospice – SE Minnesota, or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com.