Marian Nelson, 85, Dickinson, died Monday, June 2, 2014 at St. Alexius Health Center, Bismarck. Marian’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m., Friday, June 6, 2014 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Msgr. Patrick Schumacher as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Bob Stockert presiding.
Marian was born in Dickinson on December 25, 1928 to Rose (Doroff) and Charles Winczewski.
Marian attended school in Dickinson and graduated from Dickinson High School in 1946. Through the school years she helped her dad out at the Standard Station and helped her parents at Winky’s Ice Cream store. She loved fishing with her dad and was always a great reader. She then went to work at Northwest Bell, where she met the love of her life. Ray and Marian were married in 1952 in Dickinson. They moved to Beach, and lived there for 15 years. While in Beach, Marian was very active with the Girl Scout program and active in the choir and activities at St. John’s Church. She, also loved to play Bridge and built many great friendships in Beach. Ginger, Nancy, and Tracy were born while the family lived in Beach.
In 1967 the family moved back to Dickinson. Marian and Ray were blessed with Jay, a late little surprise, in Dickinson. Marian went to work in the parts department for Sears until retirement.
Marian was a member of the Fireman’s Auxiliary. She loved gardening, sewing, and made many wonderful friends in their years of camping. Marian decorated cakes for many special occasions. She was a fantastic cook and the more to cook for, the better. She especially enjoyed anything that involved her family. She was a devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother. She loved to attend all the activities involving her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marian was a very strong person. She guided Ray through cancer and lost him in 1999. She did not waiver. To describe Marian as “feisty” is probably an understatement. She had determination that was unmatchable.
Marian is survived by her children, Ginger Reis (Dave), Nancy Hammerschmidt (Mike), Tracy Nelson (Kim), Dr. Jay Nelson (Jamy); one sister, Fritzi Jahner, Glenrock, Wyo.; one brother, William Winczewski (Shirley), Dickinson; two sisters-in-law, Tillie Nelson, Dickinson, and Eleanor Nelson, Rapid City, S.D.; 12 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; her mother and father; one brother; two sisters-in-law; and four brothers-in-law.
