Joan J. (Zubrod) Nelson was born June 4, 1931 in Hastings, Nebraska. She was the first of two daughters born to William and Ethel (Boudreau) Zubrod. Joan grew up on the farm south of Roseland, Nebraska where she was her father's "right hand man", and big sister to Phyllis. On June 4, 1949 Joan was united in marriage to Lee L. Nelson, (the date marking both their birthday). They were married 52 years until Lee's death in 2001. Through the years the family lived in Roseland, Imperial, Edgar, and Wahoo because of Lee's employment. Joan then lived in Lincoln and Holdrege until her death. In addition to her life as a devoted mother and housewife Joan served as Lee's bookkeeper at his various grain elevators. Joan was a devoted Catholic serving as a member of the Altar Society and various church committees.

Joan is survived by her children Creighton (Sally) Nelson, Rogene (Chuck) Cihal, Renae (Dennis) Brooks; thirteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren (plus one SOON); three step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; three nieces and two nephews. Gone before her were her parents; husband Lee; son Corwin; grandson Taylor Brooks; sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Robert Schmitz; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A rosary will be conducted at 1:00 pm followed by a memorial mass at 1:30 pm on November 26, 2024 at North American Martyrs Catholic Church, 1101 Isaac Drive, Lincoln, NE.