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Joann Nelson Obituary
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Garner with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Burial will be in Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.
Joann Louise Nelson, the daughter of Delbert John and Hazel Louise (Harrison) Arndt, was born June 23, 1941, in Iowa City. The family lived in Mason City where Joann graduated from high school in 1959.
On Dec. 16, 1961, she was married to Curtis Gene Nelson at Albert Lea, Minn. They made their home in Garner until 1974, when they moved to the family farm east of town. She worked at E.F. Johnson's, Gilley's Bar, Pronto, Erickson's Pharmacy, and the Garner & Ventura Town Mart. Most people knew Joann as "Gerti," a nickname given to her by Curtis.
She enjoyed traveling to Arizona with Curt, seeing her grandchildren, Friday lunches with her mom and sisters, raising peacocks, guineas, geese, ducks and chickens, buying lottery tickets and going to the casinos. She attended the United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her children, Kim (Lorie) Nelson of Garner, Traci (Michael) Klesel of Garner and Krystal (Chuck) Irelan of North Liberty; seven grandchildren: Travis, Trever and Taylor Nelson, Colter and Nathan Klesel and Britany and Shaun Irelan; her mother, Hazel Arndt of Mason City; and seven siblings: Shirley (Duane) Ballhagen of Rockwell, Bonnie (Bill) Dodge of Rock Falls, Sharon Dixon of Sheffield, Sally (Joe) Herrera of Mason City, Sue (Bob) Schissel of Rockwell, Delbert "Butch" (Cindy) Arndt of Mason City and Carolyn (Cal) Weck of Rhinelander, Wis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Nelson, Aug. 14, 2008; her father; two brothers-in-law, Merle "Sonny" Dixon and Gary Schissel; and a nephew, Will Ballhagen.
Cataldo Funeral Home, 641-923-2841, www.cataldofuneralhome.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Joann Nelson
Thomas J. Paulsen Sr.
January 31, 2009
SORRY TO HEAR OF HER PASSING,SHE IS NOW IN A BETTER PLACE AND NO PAIN. HER AND MY SISTER RITA RAN AROUND TOGETHER AND WAS WELL LIKED BY ALL OF US PAULSENS AT 18-21ST STREET SE MASON CITY GOD BLESS HER FAMILY.
Sondra Welsh
January 30, 2009
Dear Family of Joann,
Joann and I were classmates for many years. Joann was fun, loving and great to be around. Her smile would light up any room.
I was so looking forward to seeing her at our 50th class reunion this August. Joann will be deeply missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. Joann was a wonderful woman.
Sondra King Welsh
Class of 1959
JORGEN&TONI PAULSEN
January 30, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
CINDY SONQUIST
January 30, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Ammie (Schissel)Uhlrich
January 30, 2009
To the Nelson Families,
I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Joann's passing. I guess she really wanted to be be the love of her life, Curt. I am sure he and Grandpa Arndt were waiting at Heaven's gate to welcome her home. May your be comforted in knowing this. Cherish all the memories you had with her.
Ruth Butcher
January 30, 2009
Enjoyed being with Gertie and Curt at Cottonlane ,Goodyear ,Az. One of the first people that I met.--in 2001-
Tina Lee
January 30, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Vanora and Ray Jorgensen
January 30, 2009
Joann had the most beautiful blue eys, Better than old blue eyes.
They would just light up with her smile. We enjoyed spending any happy hours during the winters in AZ. with Joann and Curt.
Beth (Tompkins)Beaver
January 30, 2009
Nelson Family
We are very sorry to hear of your loss! Gertie was a really sweet lady and made fantastic taco's at Pronto!! Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Cataldo Funeral Home
January 30, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Cataldo Funeral Home - Garner Chapel160 East 4th Street, Garner, IA 50438
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