Marilyn Jean Nilges, age 73, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2014, at St. Elizabeth Care Center. She was born in Wentzville on December 1, 1940, daughter of the late George and Catherine (Scheulen) Rehagen. On May 12, 1962, in St. Elizabeth, Marilyn married Herbert August Nilges, who preceded her in death on January 13, 1976.

Marilyn worked at St. Elizabeth Care Center for 21 years. She was a member of St. Ann's Sodality and St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth.

She is survived by two sons, Henry Nilges and Paul Nilges both of St. Elizabeth; three daughters, Susie Kliethermes and husband Leroy of St. Elizabeth, Norma Jean Nilges of Climax Springs, and Mary "Weasel" Nilges of Koeltztown; one brother, Lawrence "Dick" Rehagen and wife Dorothy of Meta; one sister, Marjorie Herigon of Westphalia; two sister-in-laws, Delores Nilges of Jefferson City and Helen Lock and husband Vic of Jefferson City; and four grandsons, Kaleb Nilges, Tyler Nilges, Kody Nilges, and Kristopher Nilges; and several nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

She was also preceded in death by one brother, Bernard Rehagen; one brother-in-law, Leonard Herigon, and one sister-in-law, Betty Nilges.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 30, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Rev. Patrick Shortt will officiate. Interment will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Elizabeth.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, January 29, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Marilyn Nilges Memorial Fund.