Mary A. Nilsen

Mary A. Nilsen, 90, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, June 13, 2020.

She was born on November 23, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of the late William H. Alderson and the late Julia (Kamp) Alderson. Mary was united in marriage to Russell K. Nilsen on July 25, 1953 and he preceded her in death on August 27, 2011.

She was a member of the Decatur Church of God where she sang in the church choir, assisted in the food pantry and helped with Divorce Care 4 Kids at the church. She volunteered at the Hope Clinic for five years and Love INC. She was also a member of the Bubble Babes aquatic exercise group.

She graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in physical education. After graduation, Mary taught at Rich Township High School in Park Forest, Illinois. She was the program director at the Upper Rock Island County YMCA in Moline, Illinois. She moved to Decatur in 1973, and became the Recreation Director for Adams County Park and Recreation Department until her retirement. She also volunteered as a lifeguard at Diamonds in the Rough Kids Camp for 10 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Mary was a servant of God, and loved her family and country. Mary impacted her community and inspired all those that met her. She was always a kid at heart. Mary introduced racket ball and soccer to the Decatur community.

Survivors include three daughters, Julie (Marty) Braun of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gail (Ted) Baker of Muncie, Indiana, and Margene “Marge” (Steve) Harvey of Decatur, Indiana; son, Don (Barbara) Nilsen of Decatur, Indiana; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren with one on the way in November.

She was preceded in death by her brother, William Alderson; and a sister, Beverly Albright.

Friends will be received from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2020 at the Decatur Church of God in Decatur, Indiana with Pastor Julie Braun and Pastor Don Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Decatur Cemetery.

Preferred memorials can be given to the ACCF- Mary Nilsen Soccer Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana