A Memorial to Marlene Nyquist
Thanks for visiting to celebrate the life of Marlene Nyquist.
Marlene was born October 25th, 1939 in Minneapolis. At an early age, she enjoyed taking piano lessons and became quite an accomplished pianist. She taught 4th grade at Robbinsdale and Sunny Hollow for 8 years, and after leaving teaching she entered the business world as a nursing home facilities administrator in Waite Park.
In her early years she enjoyed camping with her family. This lead to a love of traveling and she visited Greece, Moscow, Poland and New Zealand to name a few. She also took frequent trips to Colorado to visit family over the holidays.
Marlene Nyquist passed away on Tuesday, December 8,2020 at the Park View Care Center in Buffalo, MN from COVID-19 related symptoms.
Survivors include her two sons Chris and Mark, two grandchildren Kenny and Nora, her sister Rosemary and her brother Mel.
At this time, no services are planned to help reduce the spread of the virus which has taken too many loved ones already. Instead of flowers, we ask everyone to do an unexpected act of kindness in her name.
We encourage you to leave a memorable story or inspirational thought to help all of us know her better.
Many-many years ago, back in Colorado, when I was still teaching at Compass Montessori School, one year there was a mistake in the school’s calendar. Some teachers received one with the Wednesday before Thanksgiving as a workday, others’ had it listed as a day off. Many of these teachers made travel plans for that day, and we only realized the problem a few days before Thanksgiving. We couldn’t find enough subs to cover all the missing teachers. Marlene was visiting us for Thanksgiving that year, and she was arriving to Denver early Wednesday morning. When she heard about the problems at the school, she immediately offered to help us out. She stayed in my classroom, and I subbed for an upper elementary teacher. We were all very grateful for her sacrificing her first day of visit to help out our school. We will miss you a lot, Mom!
I will always remember my mom as a generous spirit. She would not hesitate to help wherever she could, feed you (and any friends that showed up), encourage freedom of spirit and self-direction and most importantly offer support where it mattered most. As a teen and young adult, I probably took advantage of this too often, but in retrospect – I’m sure that was part of her plan. You will be missed by all those who knew you. Sending love to the great beyond..
Marlene has been an important part of our PVCC family for over 7 years and she will be missed. I enjoyed my interactions with Marlene. She was a feisty and funy woman, with a quick wit and strong opinions. I am grateful that I knew her. The day before she passed, I spent time with her sharing Scripture and prayer and committing her into God’s eternal care. My prayer is that the “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3) will surround you with His love and that you and the other members of your family will experience the Lord’s presence and peace at this time of loss.
I will always remember Mrs. Nyquist as a friendly person. She always had snacks for us when we would walk over to go swimming in your pool (in Waite Park). She didn’t care if we were boys or girls that came over to swim or to play. She treated us all so kindly! You all were missed when you moved away… She will be missed by many.
Mark, I remember hanging out at your house when we were all teenagers and some terrific meals your mom shared with your friends. I didn’t realize it then, but as a mom myself, I cherished the days my daughter had her friends hanging out at our house. It was a way to know they were safe, fed, and gave me the opportunity to know them, too. I’m guessing your mom felt the same way, and maybe she planted that idea in me all those years ago. So very sorry for your loss. It’s hard to lose a parent, especially at this time of year and during this pandemic. I’m sending you all love and peace.
I remember back when we were teenagers shortly after Mark got his drivers license. He was going to drive a few of us down to the cities to a rock concert. All the tickets were bought and paid for and we were ready for a good time, when Mother Nature showed up with heave snow forecast. Marlene told mark that he would not be able to drive us down to the cities in the snow. There were some very unhappy kids at that point and I’m pretty sure we all blamed Marlene for ruining our great concert plans. Our ungrateful hearts were soon changed by Marlenes kindness and generosity when Mark was told to have us all come out to Lux because she had found a friend, a police officer that she knew that was going to drive all of us guys down to the concert in her camper. When the concert was over and we came out and got back in the camper for the ride home Marlene had bought ribs for all of us from Rudolph’s, a well know restaurant in Minneapolis. For all the crap I did and trouble I got into/caused, she never once treated me like I was unwelcome in her house. I’m very grateful and blessed to have gotten to spend some time with her at the care center. I would show her new pic of my grandson when I would stop to see her but what really made her smile is when I would jump on face book and show her pics of your family and Chris’s family. I’m sorry for your loss, she will be missed.
Where to begin,I’ve known Marlene, what seems like forever. The girls at work (Nursing Home)we, hosted a baby shower for her when she was pregnant with their first baby,that would be Chris,she was so excited for that baby to arrive. As the years passed I often went to the cities with her to shop, and at that point,two little boys, in two strollers. I remember the “clean plate club” after the boys had lunch, then the boys were down for their naps. She was a good momma, laid back ,easy going. I got my first taste of Bachmans gift and floral,Thanks to Marlene,and I got to the State Fair,as a young gal ,I would occasionally pick the boys up from daycare over by SCSU. I’ve managed to keep in touch over the years, visited Mark in Colorado, Chris has visited us at our home. Mar loved pictures of the grandchildren and when visiting her in Buffalo she was proud to share them with us. I spoke with her the day before she passed,she sounded good, but weak,she thanked me twice for calling,little did I know it was a good bye call.RIP Marlene. We are so so sorry for your loss.
I will treasure the wedding gift she gave us 46 years ago , and will think of her each time it is used.
Chris and Mark, take care of you and yours,keep in touch .
Char and Gary
I have known Marlene since I was a child because my mom worked with her for many years at the nursing home. One thing I remember about Marlene was how gentle and kind she was. I also remember that she always had a smile on her face. Know her spirit will continue on in those fortunate enough to know her. Sending peace.