Joan E. Nelson

We honor and celebrate the life of Joan Elsie Nelson, a cherished member of the Fort Atkinson community, who passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at the age of 95 in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Born to Carl & Elsie Schemm on January 14,1930, in a quaint farmhouse in Jefferson.

Joan's early life on the farm shaped her into a resilient and caring woman. She met her husband, Harold Nelson, and they wed on July 3, 1948. Together, they built a life in Fort Atkinson, Whitewater, and then back to Fort Atkinson.

She is predeceased by her husband, Harold, and her brothers, Bob (Vera), and Donald (Sandy). Joan's legacy is carried on by her sister, Sue (Bob) Haverman, her sons, Steve (Marlene) Nelson, Tom Nelson and her daughter T'Marra Benitez. Joan was a proud grandmother to Cindy Nelson, Michelle Lawrence, Reese Benitez, and Chloe (Wesley) Benitez. Her joy was multiplied with the birth of each of her great-grandchildren, Matthew, Caleb and Hannah Lawrence, and Dylan, Westin and Lily Benitez.

Joan's spirit extended beyond her family to her nephews, Eric (Arlene), Mark (Rhonda), Tim (Maria), and Bill (Sheryl) Haverman, and her nieces Lisa (Dan) Northey and Deana (Mike) Roy.

She was a woman with a particular passion for baking and cooking. Her culinary skills were a source of joy for her family and friends.

Joan was a faithful attendee of Bethany Lutheran Church, where her devotion to her faith was evident in the solace she found in the church community. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life and provided comfort to her in her final days.

Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her, yet her spirit remains alive in the cherished memories. 

As we bid farewell to Joan Elsie Nelson, we do so with hearts full of gratitude for the time we shared with her. Today, we reflect on a life well-lived, a journey marked by grace and faith.

Joan will be laid to rest next to her husband at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson. A gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

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