Marilee Aufdenkamp retired in 2024 after twenty-six years teaching undergraduate nursing. She now writes early to mid-twentieth century historical fiction set in the U.S., with a focus on immigrant stories, working-class lives, and the rhythms of small-town communities.

Her debut novel, currently in production, was inspired by her early nursing career in a Nebraska hospital, where she came to deeply admire the Germans from Russia she cared for at the end of their lives—individuals who had immigrated to Nebraska as children and preserved their customs and community across the decades. That admiration led to the creation of her first protagonist, whose story explores the tension between rapid assimilation and cultural preservation. Her second novel-in-progress, while thematically resonant, is distinct in setting, character, and emotional conflict, centering on the struggle between personal aspiration and filial duty.

Several of Marilee’s short stories have appeared in various journals and anthologies and she leads two vibrant Facebook communities rooted in twentieth-century history. Her nostalgia group celebrates the everyday lives of everyday Americans—honoring memory, connection, and the richness of lived experience. Her historical fiction writing group fosters growth and connection among writers who bring the twentieth century to life through story.

Originally from Southern California, Marilee came to Nebraska as a college freshman, married a local farm-raised fellow, and has remained a Nebraskan ever since. She and her husband are late-in-life parents to their grown daughter, and together, as a hobby/side-gig, they once operated a seasonal Chicago-style hot dog stand—an adventure their then-adolescent daughter found mortifying.

Curious about the real-life places and stories behind Marilee’s characters? Explore additional historical context and research insights by following Marilee’s blog posts on this site, including Kathryn’s Story and Leo’s Story, which delve into the settings, time periods, and cultural details that shaped her debut novel and work in progress.