Marilyn (Jacobs) Nell, born on June 17, 1939, at home in the Township of Ahnapee, to Henry Albert Jacobs and Vianas Lena (Schmiling) Jacobs, passed away, with her daughter by her side, on July 16, 2023. She fought a courageous six-year battle with a meningioma brain tumor. Growing up on a family farm, she learned the meaning of hard work, dedication to family, a love to learn and to share her faith with others.
She attended Riverside grade school and graduated from Algoma High School in 1957. Marilyn was a graduate of the Door-Kewaunee Teacher College and earned additional degrees from UW Oshkosh and Doctor Martin Luther College (DMLC).
Marilyn “Mick” married her high school sweetheart, Howard “Howie” Fred Nell on December 27, 1958 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville. They had been married for almost 59 years when Howard passed away. They were members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Algoma. Faith, love, and kindness defined who Marilyn was as a person.
Marilyn began her teaching career in 1960 with the Southern Door school district. 1963-1964 she filled in as an emergency teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. 1964-1965 she was a teacher and the Principal of the Rio Creek Grade School, before it consolidated with Algoma. 1966-1967 she served the Luxemburg Public Schools. 1967-1976 she was a substitute teacher for Sothern Door, Kewaunee and the Algoma School districts. 1976 began her call with St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Algoma, as their first Kindergarten teacher. In 1995-1997 she added being the first Pre School teacher for 3 and 4 year olds, retiring in June of 1998. At St. Paul’s alone, she shared her love for Jesus with 282 kindergarteners and 52 preschoolers. Several of her former students and relatives became teachers because of the influence of their favorite teacher. She shared her faith with us all until God welcomed her home.
She is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Ronald) Johnson; daughter-in-law, Carol Nell; grandchildren, Derek (Rayanne) Johnson, Sara (Joshua) Sperber, Stephanie Scherer-Johnson, Jacob and Jacqueline Nell; great grandchildren, Camden Johnson and Serenity; sisters, Dawn Kieckbusch and Kay Baker; brother-in-law, Harold Nell; sister-in-law, Margaret Nell; and many nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friend, Joyce Bathke.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Vianas (Schmiling) Jacobs; father and mother-in-law, William and Ella (Uecker) Nell; husband, Howard; son, Jeffrey; sister, June Baumann; and, brothers-in-law, Lynn Baumann, Russell Kieckbusch and Arliss Baker; sister and brothers-in-laws, Bernice (Bob) Delano, Wilbert, Carl (Jeannette), Orville (Delores), Orland (Evarista), Elroy (Deloris), and Rose Marie Nell.
Family and friends may gather at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Algoma, after 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023 until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. John Moll and Rev. Joel McKenney officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Compassus Hospice, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, or St. Paul’s Lutheran School.
The family wants to thank the staff of Compassus Hospice, Waterfall Health of Algoma, Sturgeon Bay Health Services, UW Madison Health, Select Specialty Health, Meriter, Prevea, Door County Medical, and Aurora hospitals, and Door County Medical Center Clinic.
Schinderle Funeral Home in Algoma is assisting the Nell family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Marilyn may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.schinderlefuneralhome.com.
