Joan R Nelson

(April 28,1930 - May 1, 2024) We will miss Joan R (Arneson) Nelson, age 94, who passed on May 1, 2024, at 7:40pm at Dr. Phillips Hospital, Orlando, Florida. Joan was a self-reliant woman who embraced life with a bright outlook. She was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Joan R (Arneson) Nelson was born to Alma (Knudson) and Martin Arneson on April 28, 1930, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. Joan's aspirations to become a nurse after graduating from high school in 1948 led her to St. Luke's School of Nursing in Fargo, ND. She received her degree in 1951 and began her career at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, Il. Joan also worked as a camp nurse at Camp Henry Horner at Round Lake, Il, and in the labor and delivery unit at Itasca Memorial Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mn.
Joan married Donald K Nelson on February 19, 1954, and enjoyed 63 wonderful years together until Don's passing in 2017. To this union they welcomed Steven, David, Douglas and Lynn, their pride and joy. Joan embraced Don's career with the support he needed to succeed during his employment years. Moving sometimes every year spanning the Minnesota Iron Range, Capreol, Canada, Upper Michigan, and finally settling in Rocky River, Ohio.
Once in Rocky River, Joan found the time to become more involved in the activities she enjoyed and volunteered. She was active in Our Saviors Lutheran Church and managed the Sunday School program as superintendent, served on the Junior Board of Fairview Hospital as President, and Christmas Shoppe Chairman. Joan tested Preschool children for amblyopia for the Society of the Blind and acted as president for AAIME (Auxiliary to Men's Engineering Society) She enjoyed playing on tennis and golf leagues, excelled at duplicate bridge, and relished reading a good book. Upon Don's retirement, they divided their time between Orlando, Florida and Huron, Ohio. During this time, they traveled, enjoyed visits with family and friends, and continued to play golf and bridge.
After Don's passing Joan moved to Harbor Chase at Dr Phillips. The familiar surroundings and warm weather beckoned her back to the Orlando, Florida area. Joan continued to hone her bridge playing skills, enjoyed the company of the wonderful friends she met, and was delighted with visits from her family.
Joan's family was most important to her, and the depth of her giving ran deep. She devoted her life to her greatest treasure, her family: Survived by children Steven (Karen), David (Amy), Douglas (Peggy Sue), Lynn. Grandchildren Sarah Burney (Jeff), Brad (Jaclyn), Jaclyn Hafner (Jason), Marcus (Marina), Kassie, Robert Hafner (Hope), Tyler, Daniel, Maura, and Ethan Cayton. Great grandchildren Hunter Burney, Josephine, Brooks Burney, Gia, and Luca. Sister Bette Jensen. Cherished nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death: Loving husband Donald Nelson, parents Alma and Martin Arneson, brother Wallace Arneson, sister and brother-in-law Paul and Marilyn Ressmeyer, brother-in-law Howard Jensen, and daughter-in-law Lori Nelson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 3:00pm at Saint Paul Lutheran Church, 27993 Detroit Rd., Westlake, OH 44145. Memorials may be made in Joan's name to the Cleveland Society for the Blind 1909 East 101st Street, Cleveland, OH 44106.