Marian A. (Nordgren) Rummel, age 83, of River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 4th, 2025, at Bay Harbor – Wellhaven Senior Assisted Living, with her granddaughter by her side.

Marian was born on July 8, 1941, in Muscatine, Iowa, the daughter of Kenneth and Dorothy (Greenwald) Schlutz. She was independent, self-driven, and determined. Raised in Iowa and other parts of the United States, she graduated from Muscatine High School and went on to further her education at the University of Iowa, where she earned her degree in teaching. She began her career teaching Spanish in Davenport, IA, where she nurtured and empowered students through knowledge. Marian approached her career, much like everything in life, with passion and purpose, always striving to help children achieve their goals and grow into their full potential.

With her indomitable spirit, she had the courage to return to school to advance not only her education but her life. She earned her master’s degree and transitioned into a career as a guidance counselor, continuing to work at Humboldt High School for many years before retiring. Marian was first married to James Nordgren, and together they had a son, Steven. Though their union later dissolved, she would find love again with her soulmate, as she called him, Jerry (Gerald) Rummel. Together they traveled to many memorable destinations, creating cherished memories in places such as St. Thomas, Alaska and European destinations. She also gave her granddaughters the experiences of a lifetime, taking them on travels to Paris and cruises to beautiful port cities.
A true foodie, Marian delighted in trying new and exciting dishes. Mexican cuisine was her favorite, and her sweet tooth was undeniable. No cookie was safe around her… especially chocolate chip cookies. She had a deep appreciation for nature, enjoying the beauty of birds in flight and their melodic songs, whether from the comfort of her patio or the northern shores, where loons graced her presence. She found peace in the soothing rhythm of ocean waves, which gave her a sense of calm and time for reflection. Marian had a love for learning and was fluent in multiple languages. She also had a keen interest in historical architecture, particularly Catholic churches, and cherished her visit to the Vatican in Rome. She loved to cuddle with her cat, Misha and enjoyed reading books about Native American culture, Paris and romance novels.

Marian’s legacy of love, wisdom, and encouragement will be fondly remembered by her granddaughters, Sara Nordgren (fiancé Logan Veenendall) and Alison Nordgren (Bryan Turrentine); great-grandchildren, Aden and Samuel; and her daughter, Marti Hill (and family), whom she had the blessing of meeting later in life after circumstances beyond her control separated them at birth. She is further survived by her sister, Katherine Skrei; and her nieces, Wendy (Daryl) Lahr and Julie (Vern) Skrei. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jerry (Gerald) Rummel, her son Steven Nordgren, and her brother-in-law William Skrei.
Marian will be cremated and laid to rest in the family plot at Greenwood Cemetery in Muscatine, Iowa. In her honor, love and empower the young women in your life. Nurture them, encourage them, and inspire them to chase their dreams and achieve success in whatever they choose.

A small Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 18th at 1:00 pm at Bay Harbor – Wellhaven Senior Assisted Living, 119 Union St. River Falls, WI 54022. A party will be held in her honor for family and friends in Crosslake, MN this summer. Details will be released at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the funeral home.

Cremation services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of River Falls, 225 So. Third Street, River Falls, WI 54022.