Marie D. Nissen

Marie D. Nissen, 98, of Clear Lake, passed away Oct. 23, 2015, at Oakwood Care Center.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015, at Evangelical Free Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dan Jordan officiating.  Burial was in Clear Lake Cemetery.

  Family Suggests memorial contributions to the Evangelical Free Church.

Marie was born Sept. 13, 1917, the daughter of Janne and Hanna Christiansen, in Lindholm, Germany and was the youngest of nine children.  She finished her formal education in Germany and began work as a maid for a local family.  She married Sonke Friedrichsen in 1939, and to this union was born a son, Detlef.  During WWII she lost her husband, then moved in with her parents to take care of them until their deaths.  In 1956 she married Henry Nissen, then immigrated to America in 1957 where Henry farmed in the Clear Lake area. To this union two daughters, Hannah and Lorian were born.  After retiring in 1968 Marie and Henry moved to Clear Lake and enjoyed their golden years until Henry’s passing in 1999.  Marie enjoyed two visits back to Lindholm, Germany to see family in 1994 and 2011.

She enjoyed cooking, needle work, and tending to her gardening.

Marie was a member of Evangelical Free Church.

She is survived by her son, Detlef (Carol) Friedrichsen, of Des Moines; two daughters, Hannah (Eric Russell) Nissen, of Ohio, and Lorian Medina, of Ohio; five grandchildren, John (Julie) Friedrichsen, Nicholas Friedrichsen, Melinda (Hector Gomez) Friedrichsen, Wally Medina and Angela (Matt) Wright, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Sonke Friedrichsen; second husband, Henry Nissen; one infant son, Paul Nissen; six brothers; and two sisters.

The family would like to thank the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City, and the nursing staff at Oakwood Care Center, in Clear Lake, for their tender care.  We appreciate the flowers, cards and visits from her many friends, as well.

  Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.