Marlin NIELSEN

NIELSEN, WALKER, CARTER, BARRY, PEARCE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/10/2015 at 12:53:15

August 17, 1937 --- March 20, 2014

Marlin Nielsen, of Henderson, [Nevada] passed away March 20, 2014, at St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Siena Campus in Henderson, after a bravely fought battle with cancer. Marlin was born Aug. 17, 1937, in Defiance, Iowa, to Alfred and Leta Nielsen. Marlin was a multi-talented man. He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and started singing in church at age four. He was also athletic, loved sports and played basketball in high school and college, as well as performing in shows and musical productions. After graduating from Irwin High School, he attended Drake University with a music-athletic scholarship. While making a singing appearance, he was discovered by Jan Garber, who immediately offered him a job singing with the famous Jan Garber Orchestra.

After a year with the band, he returned to Iowa to complete his college education and to marry his high school sweetheart, Nadine Walker. He completed his bachelor's degree in education at Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb., and later a master's degree from UNLV. Marlin enjoyed two careers, one in education and one as a professional singer. His career in education began as a high school teacher and basketball coach in Klemme, Iowa. After three years, he rejoined the Garber band and moved with his wife, Nadine, and daughter, Kristi, to Las Vegas to perform at the Desert Inn Hotel in Las Vegas. When not at the Desert Inn, the band played in ballrooms and clubs throughout the country. Having made his reputation as a top entertainer with the Garber Orchestra, he formed his own group and continued to entertain in the major hotels in Las Vegas. Although he enjoyed "show business" and was a superb entertainer enjoyed by many, he was ready to return to education. He taught and coached basketball at Las Vegas High School, now the Academy of Technology and Performing Arts, then went into administration and was appointed principal at Brown Middle School in Henderson. Later, he was assigned as principal at Garside Middle School in Las Vegas. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and was a great educator who always put the kids first. After he retired from education, he and Nadine moved to Sun City Anthem in Henderson, and joined the very active Performing Arts Club. Once again he returned to the stage and performed in many of their productions sharing his wonderful voice and versatile entertaining style. He took joy in encouraging and supporting others to build their confidence and reach their highest potential. Marlin was an avid golfer, loved sports and fishing, especially in Alaska and Canada. He loved his family, friends and enjoyed life.

He is survived by his wife, Nadine; his daughter, Kristi (Scott) Carter; five loving grandchildren; four beautiful great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruthann (Milton) Barry and Marie (Clay) Pearce; nieces; nephews; and a host of friends and relatives. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 28, with reception following, both at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas. Everyone is invited to the reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations sent to the Comprehensive Cancer Center, 10001 S. Eastern Ave., Henderson, NV.

Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Las Vegas, NV
March 29, 2014