Mary J. Nilsen

Mary J. Nilsen, 83, of Watertown, passed away at her home on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

Mary was born on May 13, 1941, in Ely, MN, the daughter of Anton and Mayme (Lobe) Kotchevar. Mary married the love of her life Edwin Nilsen on July 22, 1961, in Ely, Minnesota and the couple enjoyed 58 years of marriage. She was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Watertown and was a faithful volunteer at St. Vincent DePaul’s for many years. Mary was kind, warm hearted and sometimes silly. She loved to laugh, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was loved by many and enjoyed helping people whenever she could. In her free time she enjoyed gardening, working on puzzle books, playing BINGO, and was an avid reader. Above all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends; she will be dearly missed by those who were blessed to have known her.

Mary is survived by her children: Brian (Pandora) Nilsen of McKinney, Texas; Mark Nilsen of Grants Pass, Oregon; Renee Nilsen of Phoenix, Arizona; and Terri (Billy) Singleton of Dousman. Five Grandchildren: Nicolette; Breanna; Rebecca, Emma, and her sisters Ellie Zgonc and Therese Claeys. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, granddaughter Katelyn, and her brother James Kotchevar.

A Memorial Mass will take place at 11:00am on Friday, January 10, 2025, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church with Fr. Tim Renz presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00am until the time of service.