Marian Nelson

NELSON, Marian Hilbig, b. December 6, 1931, d. April 2, 2021.

Marian Hilbig Nelson passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born in Rockne, a German-Catholic Community, in Bastrop County, Texas. She was the oldest of ten children born to Sylvester "Vester" Jacob and Clara Kadura Hilbig. They were farmers and Marian learned to work hard at an early age as her daddy's helper. As an adult, she enjoyed gardens and plants of every kind. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Rockne for the first eight grades.  Her family relocated to Austin, Texas where she attended St. Mary's Academy High School and worked at Walgreens during the four years of High School. She attended San Antonio Community College and the University of Maryland where she concentrated on German studies.

She married Sgt. Charlie Nelson in 1950, and moved to numerous Air Bases over 33 years in the United States and overseas.  She lived in Wiesbaden, Germany for three years where she enjoyed speaking German.  In 1983, Colonel Nelson retired and moved the family to the RRR Ranch, in Rockne, where Marian could "get in touch with her roots." She quickly became involved in the Rockne community and spent her free time studying the history and genealogy of the early settlers.  She wrote a book about her family immigrating from Germany and Prussia and worked on numerous genealogies.  Marian and Charlie donated the land and helped established Hilbig Park and the Rockne Museum.  As a charter member of the Rockne Historical Association, she worked tirelessly for 20 years and was president from 1990-2010.

In 1998, Marian and Charlie moved to Austin to be close to their five children and grandchildren. Marian lived a very diverse, exciting, and adventurous life but her main interest was always family.

She is survived by daughters, Victoria Palmer (Dr. Bob); Dr. Robbi Francovich (Pancho);  Sachi Nelson McAuley (Aubrey); son Bruce Nelson (Coleen); 12 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.       She is also survived by brothers, Stanley, Robert (Patricia), Terry Pat (Lorraine) Glenn, and sister, Clara Hilbig Klinkovsky (Albert); numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many close friends. She especially admired Pastor Father Pat Coakley of St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and the many friends who attended the 12:00 noon daily Mass.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie, of 64 years; son, Charles C. Nelson III, sisters, Leatrice, Eileen, and Laurel, and brother, Joseph Carl, (J.C.) Hilbig.

Funeral Mass on Friday, May 7 ^th at 10:30am, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rockne, TX. Followed by inurnment at the church cemetery and lunch at the school hall.

Internment following at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery, 4045 Farm to Market 535, Bastrop, TX 78602

Masks should be worn, and we understand if you are unable to attend due to Covid restrictions or health concerns. Donations can be made to the Rockne Historical Association in Marian Nelson’s name.