Marilyn A. Neels, age 92 of rural Dunbar, NE passed away Thursday; Feb. 16, 2023 at Good Samaritan Home in Syracuse, NE.

She was born on November 5, 1930 in Nebr. City, NE; the second child of Sterling J. and Caroline E. (Heng) Kreifels.  She was raised on the family farm near Paul, NE, attended country school and later attended Nebr. City High School where she graduated with the Class of 1948.   Following her graduation, she worked for Harvey Risk River Construction for a few years.

She was united in marriage to Orlin V. Neels on May 5, 1955 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Paul, NE.  Marilyn and Orlin raised their family south of Dunbar.  She was a loving housewife and homemaker and was very involved in the day-to-day duties of the family farm.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years Orlin Neels; children:  Ed (Sharon) Neels, Dean (Barbara) Neels, Richard (Diane) Neels, Mary (Jack) Frary, Ann (Todd) Boellstorff, Nancy (Jeff) Reed and Marla (Tim) Rowe; grandchildren:  Tony (Suzanne) Neels, Karrie (Sean) Dovel, Tyler (Ashley) Neels, Kelly (Scott) Kraus, Ellen (Joe) Brinkman, Andy (fiance’ Lauren) Neels, William Neels, David (Jackie) Neels, Adam (Brittney) Neels, Danielle Neels, Michael Frary, Andrea (Seth) McCormick, Audrey Frary, Jacqueline (Grant) Cole, Patrick Frary, Theresa Frary, Daniel Frary, Taylor (Jared) Kohl, Ryan Reed, Travis Reed, Caroline Reed, Clayton (Sarah) Rowe, Kasey (Robert) Lench and Faith (fiance’ Michael) Rowe; 26 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

he was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Hans and Frieda Neels, beloved granddaughter Brandy Neels, and siblings and spouses:  Francis “Pat” and Irma Kreifels, Jean and Don Wurtele, Joyce and Norman Kempkes, John and Janet Kreifels, Marcene and Allen Burr and Carolyn and Bob Lechner.

Funeral Services will be held Monday (2/27) at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paulinus Church in Syracuse, NE.  Fr. Ryan Salisbury will celebrate the Mass and burial will follow in Park Hill Cemetery at Syracuse.

The family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday (2/26) at St. Paulinus Church followed by a Prayer Service/Rosary at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be given to St. Paulinus Church in Syracuse or the Dunbar Fire Department.

Remembrances may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

Gude Mortuary in charge of the arrangements.