Marlene Thordis Nelson

Marlene Nelson, 93 of Alexandria, passed away at her home at Grand Arbor in Alexandria on Monday, February 2, 2026. Memorial services will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman beginning at 11:00 AM, with a public visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Solem Cemetery in Kensington following a funeral luncheon.

Marlene Thordis Soberg was born on February 15, 1932, to Bennett and Sarah (Myhr) Soberg on their family farm in Holmes City, Minnesota. As one of three daughters, Marlene grew up tending to animals and milking cows. She attended country school through the eighth grade and then moved in with her grandmother in Alexandria so she could attend Alexandria Public High School, graduating in 1949. Marlene enjoyed participating in 4-H, showing cattle, sewing, baking, and won numerous radio speaking contests. She was also the recipient of the Thornton Leadership Award twice.

While showing one of her Angus beef cattle at the fair, Marlene met Vernal Nelson, who was also showing cattle. Although Marlene’s cattle always beat Vernal’s, that did not deter him from asking her out on a date to see a movie. Even though Marlene slept through the movie (a trait that followed her throughout her life) and was punished for returning after curfew, it didn’t discourage Vernal from asking her out on many more dates.

On August 1st, 1953, after Marlene obtained her teaching certificate in Glenwood, Minnesota, she and Vernal were married at Trysil Lutheran Church. Marlene spent many years teaching in both Hoffman and Kensington, but most of her time was devoted to raising their five children and helping on the farm. Marlene also ran several at‑home businesses, most notably creating beautiful floral arrangements for weddings, graduations, proms, and many other celebrations. While many of these responsibilities would feel like a full-time job to most people, Marlene still found time to volunteer in the community. She served in multiple capacities at church, helped form ‘The Day Star Singers’, participated in the Douglas County Historical Society, and presided over the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (lovingly referred to as the Gal Gobblers). She also remained active at the Douglas County Fair – managing the 4-H food stand for several years, and then moved on to pioneering the fair favorite "Our Heritage" event. Fair goers flocked to watch the demonstrators make lefse, homemade ice cream, krumkake, quilts, rope, and many other ethnic crafts and treats.

Marlene and Vernal cherished their time spent at their Lake Mary cabin. They spent every weekend they could there and especially enjoyed the time shared with family and friends. Marlene was a superb hostess who loved to host gatherings and warmly welcomed many into the cabin over the years. The cabin was always filled with laughter, good conversation, and a sense of togetherness that reflected her generous spirit and love for bringing people together.

On her 90th birthday, Marlene and Vernal moved from their family farm to Grand Arbor in Alexandria. The couple enjoyed almost four years together there before Marlene peacefully passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Marlene will always be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved decorating and spending time in the kitchen, making her homemade hotdishes, soups, and all the yummy cookies and bars for church events and family get-togethers. Each of us has cherished recipes, written in her own hand and lovingly passed down, that will always remind us of her

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 72 years, Vernal Nelson; sons: Dana (Deb) Nelson, Paul Nelson, and Joel (Lisa) Nelson; daughters: Anne (David) Larson and Julie Chan (Don); grandchildren: Matthew, Amanda, Andrew, Erica, Jenna, Lauren, Trenton, Trista, Jack, Jared, Bailey, and Luke; and great-grandchildren: Lula, Edie, Russell, Otto, Charlie, Sovern, Kinley, Henry, William, Jett, Eddie, Emma, and Charlotte.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bennett and Sarah Soberg; sisters, Ardys Fischer and Gwendolyn Schultz; as well as many other beloved relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Douglas County Historical Society, Messiah Lutheran Church, or other any other organization close to Marlene's heart are deeply appreciated by her family.