Marian, daughter of T.H. and Helen (Bennett) Van Diest, was born at home on September 20, 1928, in Lenora, Kansas with Doc Van Diest and a local doctor in attendance. She graduated from Doane College, where she met Bill (W.W.) Nuernberger, who was the top debater in a debate team she was invited to join. Debate was not her choice of activities, but Bill became her number one choice. College gave her time to grow up, broaden her view, and develop a deeper appreciation for this whole new world. They married on July 30, 1950, in Lenora and soon made their home in Lincoln, Nebraska.
She began her teaching career as a third-grade teacher of 36 students at Sheridan Elementary School, leaving the classroom when pregnant with her first child (which was the policy in those days). Once her three daughters were out of elementary school, she returned to education as a teacher and then capped her teaching career with her amazing year as a communication specialist at Merle Beattie Elementary School. There she enjoyed working with a spirited group of educators who loved adventure. She could create as well as pick out innovative programs. She was a Sunday school teacher, played a key role in organizing First Plymouth’s Dimension Education program, and served as a shepherd at Anybody Everybody Worship. She was a Bluebird and Campfire Girl leader and volunteered at her daughters’ schools as well as the Lincoln Children’s Museum. A lifelong Nebraska volleyball fan, she saw the promise in the program before it became a huge sensation for NE.
Those who knew her remember her fun-loving spirit, her deep appreciation for life, and her boundless love for the people around her. She instilled adventure throughout her life. In fact, she was once introduced at the Lodge as Marian, who lives dangerously. She admired (and embodied) qualities of trust, dignity, resilience, and compassion. She taught us to “enjoy the todays and look forward to the tomorrows because no two moments could ever hold the same magic”.
She has always been able to see the best in people. This quote from A. A. Milne that she read to us growing up capsulizes that thought: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering kindness that will be carried forward by those whose lives she touched.
Marian is lovingly remembered by her “three darling daughters”: De Ann and husband Bruce of Lincoln; Jan and husband Ken of Grand Island; and Nancy and husband Bern of Kansas City
Nine uniquely wonderful grandchildren: Kelcy and husband Mike, Toby and husband Gunner, Ben and wife Taylor; Quinn and wife Renae, Kali and husband Jake, Linden and husband J.C.; Gerrit and wife Rene, Jens and wife Mallory, and Anna and husband Matt.
And amazed by fourteen great grandchildren: Miles, Langston, Hugh, Harlequin, Calvin; Everett, Nash, Trigg, Willa; Ellinor, Lillie, Wells, Van, Henrik.
Preceded in death by her mother, who made her childhood rich and was the wind beneath her wings, her dad, known for his sense of humor and generosity, her husband, whom she loved and admired for his compassion, dedication, and common sense decisions as Judge of Juvenile Court, her dear brother John, and Aunt Ruth and Uncle Ross who adored her.
Memorial Service: 11:00 am Saturday December 6, 2025, First Plymouth Church, 2000 D St.
Memorials:
First Plymouth Church, 2000 D St, Lincoln, NE 68502
Nuernberger Education Center, Attn: Jaime Boedeker, 1801 S 40th St, Lincoln, NE 68506.