Marvin William Nielsen Sr. of River Falls, Wis., passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family Jan. 4, 2024. He was born the son of Jakob Kristian (Christian) (“JC”) and Clara Kezia Schweitzer on Jan. 10, 1939 on the family farm in Kinnickinnic Township. Marvin married his high school sweetheart Judy Owens on April 2, 1960, at the United Methodist Church in River Falls. Marvin and Judy purchased land in November 1960, where they dairy farmed, raised beef cattle, pigs, and horses, alongside raising their three children. This farm would be known as Skunk Hollow.
Marvin was the self-proclaimed Mayor of Skunk Hollow. He nicknamed his wife Sweetie, you would know them as The Mayor and Sweetie. Along with nicknaming their three children, you would know them as Spook, Spunk, and Spike. Furthering the “S” nicknames, he nicknamed his five granddaughters Skeezicks, Snookers, Squeaker, Sneaker and Squiggles.
Marvin was very active in community affairs. If you didn’t know Marvin from hay wagon rides, threshing bees or from gatherings at Skunk Hollow, you knew him from being the announcer at tractor pulls. Oftentimes rambling nonsense or singing in between pulls, picking on someone and making the crowd chuckle or shake their heads.
Marvin was a social man, creating conversation with strangers anywhere he would go. He also celebrated his birthday every day as you all know. He would also wish you a happy birthday, saying something along the lines of “Happy Birthday George!”
Always seen in his unforgettable bibbies, sitting in the top pocket of those bibbies were many lifesaver mints to share with anyone.
He is survived by his wife Judy Nielsen; children Julie (Wayne) Betlach, Jennie Sue (Todd) Lubich, and Spike (April) Nielsen: five grandchildren: Kimberly Olander Linnell, Courtney (Logan) Nielsen, Dani Jo Durand, Jayla (Shane) Durand, and Clara Nielsen; four great grandchildren; Rosie, Barrett, Lillie, and Dallas Jo; his siblings: Shirley (Dick) Tresselt, Sheila Francis, Melvin (Geraldine) Nielsen, Malcom (Barb) Nielsen and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Jakob Kristian and Clara Kezia Schweitzer, his brother Merle Nielsen and sister-in-law Maxine Nielsen.
He is also survived by all the children and grandchildren he took in, and all those he had called Suzie or George.
The Nielsen family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice, the RFFD, and everyone else for the help and services provided.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Skunk Hollow (W7502 740th Ave., River Falls, WI 54022) starting at 1 p.m. Come one, come all with stories to share. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
