Arlee Mae Neilson

ArLee M. Neilson was born December 11, 1920, in rural Burr Oak, Kansas, to George E. and Lula Mae (Walden) Marshall, and died November 20, 2007, at the Memorial Home, Moundridge, Kansas, at the age of 86 years, 10 months, and 9 days.

She grew up on the family farm and attended rural grade schools. The family moved to Arkansas for a time, and returned to the Burr Oak community. ArLee attended Burr Oak High School, and graduated in 1938. While attending High School, ArLee became an accomplished seamstress, and later worked in the Burr Oak Sewing Room. She made most of her own clothes, as well as clothes for her mother, grandmother, and other family members.

ArLee married Richard D. Neilson, on February 13, 1940. To this union five children were born: Marla Kay, Larry Denton, Jerry Linn, Richard Gail, and Scott Marshall. She began her career in health care when her mother fell in the 1940’s. ArLee later was working in cafes, Bettys Studio, and at the Jewell County Hospital from 1967 to 1981, as a CNA and CMA. ArLee was the manager at Neilson Retail until retiring in 1996. She was a long time member of the V.F.W. Post No. 7830 Auxiliary in Mankato. ArLee enjoyed bowling and bingo.

She was preceded in death by her daughter; parents; husband; sister, Ardith; brother, Jack Nobel; step-mother, Mattie; and step-brothers, Lyle Rafferty and Peter Rafferty.

ArLee is survived by her four sons, Larry and wife, Sandy of Moundridge, Kansas, Jerry and wife, Cindy of Superior, Nebraska, Gail and wife, Marlene and Scott all of Mankato, Kansas, two-step-brothers, Richard of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Milton of Springfield, Missouri, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service for ArLee M. Neilson was Friday, November, 23, 2007, at 2:00 p.m., at the Christian Church, Burr Oak, Kansas, with Mr. Randy Paugh officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Wanda Frasier, organist, and Wayne Fogo, soloist. The hymns were: “Till We Meet Again,” “Old Rugged Cross,” and “Beyond the Sunset.”
Casket Bearers were: Rick Neilson, Josh Neilson, Luke Neilson, George Jarvis, Steve Robbins, Roger Neilson, John D. Neilson, and Steve Plenert. Interment was in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to: Memorial Home, Moundridge, Kansas, Hospice Care of Kansas, Burr Oak Christian Church, Burr Oak, or Jewell County Hospital Long-term Care. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.