JoEllen Nelson

JoEllen (Donahue) Nelson was born on October 28, 1952, the third of eight children in her family, JoEllen’s favorite childhood memories were getting into trouble at her grandfather Den Otter’s farm with her little brothers. Later in life, she wrote these memories down in what she’d hoped would become a children’s book.

She stood out in her large family by being an excellent basketball player, competing in the Iowa State 6 on 6 High School State Tournament her sophomore year at Ballard High School. She also loved softball. Through sports, she got to know her neighbor and the drummer of the Ballard pep band, Kevin Nelson. They fell in love and were inseparable even when she went away to study fashion merchandising at Ellsworth Community College. They would later marry and soon after, their son Benjamin was born.

Jo helped support her young family by manufacturing at 3M. During her time there she made many friends and welcomed her two daughters, Sara followed by Amy. She’d be there for over 20 years before officially retiring and following her passion for teaching young children. She’d begin that road at Sitter’s Daycare in Slater and finish her career at Casey’s Corporate in Ankeny. It was clear Jo was a baby whisperer and loved all her nieces and nephews, many she babysat happily.

Born a natural caregiver, her absolute joy was being a grandmother. She could not help but beam as she talked to each of her 5 grandchildren: Layne, Braden, Rylee, Lennon, and Jude.

Jo Ellen is preceded in death by her husband Kevin, mother Lois, and father Conrad. She leaves behind seven siblings, her three children and their partners, Ben (Trista), Sara (Josh), and Amy (Dan) and five grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved cat and sweet fur baby Shelby.

Her family would like to take this moment to thank Iowa Falls DaVita Dialysis Center, especially Jarah, for all their time and care for Jo. We cannot thank you enough.

There will be a celebration of life from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 14 at Miner’s Shelter on Lake Red Rock, 971 Hwy. S71 in Knoxville.

In lieu of flowers, Jo loved plants. Please grow something in her honor. Cards can be sent to 714 9th Ave, Eldora, Iowa 50627.