Marshall Albert Nelsen

Marshall Albert Nelsen “Marsh”, 97, of Newtown Square, PA, formerly of Wayne, PA, passed away peacefully October 26, 2023 at White Horse Village. Born February 15, 1926 in St. Paul, MN, he was a son of the late Marshall A. and Margaret (nee McKaig) Nelsen. Minneapolis and St. Paul were the sites of the Neilsen, Nelson, and Nelson Danish ‘clan’, and many branches of the family tree. As Marshall Sr. and second wife Timi took up residence in Brooklyn, so did Marsh Jr. and his sister Nancy.

Marshall served honorably in the U.S. Navy, out of Philadelphia at the end of the WWII, and went on to receive a BA in Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School.  He had a successful career as a business entrepreneur pioneering in the data processing fulfillment industry.  He founded Electronic Data Processing Corporation of PA and other related businesses in the field.

Marsh was trained in the Church organ at the Curtis Institute of Music under Alexander McCurdy Jr. While studying there he became piano accompanist for Jean LaRoche, soprano soloist at the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia whom he later married. He was also prominent in the musical scene in Philadelphia area as the organist and choirmaster at several churches, including Holy Apostles and the Mediator. Raising a family in the suburbs of Philadelphia, he was also a very active member of The Church of St. Asaph, Bala Cynwyd, PA. He served on the vestry and as the Rector’s Warden for many years.

Marshall was the beloved husband of the late Jean (nee LaRoche) Nelsen; loving father of Charles Nelsen and Keith Nelsen Stroud; adoring grandfather of Catherine Elliott, Christopher Nelsen, Margaret Nelsen, and David Stroud; and proud great-grandfather of two. He was predeceased by his daughter Keith, his second wife, Mary Ellen Nelsen; and sister Nancy Mitchell.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Service 10:00 AM, Friday, November 10, 2023, at The Church of Saint Asaph, 27 Conshohocken State Rd, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Church of Saint Asaph.