Marian Mulder

Marian Alice Parde Mulder passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025 in Hickman, NE. Born on March 18, 1938, to John and Harmina (Minnie) Parde in Pickrell, NE, she spent her childhood on the family farm in the Zion Lutheran community of Pickrell, NE. During her early years, she witnessed the advent of electricity and the introduction of money to pay that bill. She also saw the arrival of the telephone, which helped the community stay connected. Marian spent most of her life living in rural communities.

Marian obtained her first 8 years of education in a one room schoolhouse. She graduated from Filley High School in 1955. In 1957, she obtained her 2-year teaching certificate from Peru State College. In May of 1985, she fulfilled a lifelong dream and graduated from Peru State College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

During her adult life, Marian enjoyed a variety of employment opportunities including elementary education, domestic cleaning, and as a staff worker at Norris HS. Following the attainment of her college degree, she worked as a case manager for the NE Department of Health and Human Services. Marian retired in 2003.

Marian was married to Ray E. Mulder on May 30, 1959, and they celebrated being together for over 60 years. In addition to Ray’s career choice of farming, they also enjoyed traveling. Highlights of their travel included Alaska, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Mexico City and Washington DC. They also traveled frequently to visit their children. Jokingly they had told their children “If you plan to move out of state, one of you go south and other go north so we can visit one in the summer and the other in the winter.”

Marian was known for her love of Quilting. She often had several tops under construction and did all phases including hand quilting the layers and hand sewing the bindings. Crocheting and embroidery were also favorites of hers. Marian was an avid gardener, a staple of farm life to feed her family. Marian also loved raising flowers on the farm. Her favorites were irises and roses.

Marian was proceeded in death by the love of her life, Ray, in 2020, and her two sons, Steven Ray and Dale Allen. She is also proceeded in death by her parents, John and Harmina Parde; her parents-in-law, Ralph and Elsie Mulder; sister Joan Parde Jurgens Witt and her husbands Henry Jurgens and Fred Witt; Sister-in-law Louise and husband Bradley Evans; Brothers-in-law Howard and wife Kathleen (Kay) Mulder, William and wife Dorothy Mulder, and Verl and wife Marlene Mulder. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Mulder and grandson Joseph Mulder Risk.

Memorial Services will be held at Living Life Church, Firth NE on Saturday, June 28, 2025 starting at 11:00 AM with Pastor Don Adams officiating. Family burial services will be at the Firth Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the family’s choice for future designation. There will be no viewing or visitation.

We invite all those who know Marian to join us in commemorating her life. As we gather to remember her, we encourage you to share your favorite memories, upload photos of her, or watch her video tribute on her memorial page at www.ghchapel.com.

These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.