JoAnn Nelson

JoAnn Johnson Nelson, 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 23, 2011, at Medcenter One, Bismarck, ND. The immediate family will be celebrating her life and invite family and friends to join them for a memorial service on Tuesday, December 27, at First Lutheran Church, Bismarck. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. to be followed by a luncheon reception. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. JoAnn was born on December 29, 1935, to Henry C. and Dorothea Turner Johnson of Jamestown, ND. She was the second youngest of 13 children. JoAnn graduated from Jamestown High School in 1954. She worked as an usher at a movie theatre and as a telephone switchboard operator. One of her most enjoyable experiences was singing "A Wild Irish Rose" on the radio. During her life, she cherished the time spent camping and traveling with her family. She met regularly with close friends and family for chats and coffee. One of her favorite hobbies was crocheting afghans to give to her children and grandchildren, serving as a tribute to her loving and caring nature. She had a passion for reading, but most of all, loved being with friends and family, taking great pride in all of their accomplishments. She settled down as a full-time homemaker and mother when she married Bruce G. Nelson of Bismarck, ND on April 12, 1958. They shared over 53 years of happiness, caring, and love, becoming the proud parents of four children: Bryan G. Charlene Nelson of Ankeny, IA, Denise M. Jared Anderson of Fargo, ND, Brenda L. Orin Schlomer of Mandan, ND, and David A. Tuanjai Nelson of St. Paul, MN. Eight grandchildren continue her legacy of love: Christopher S. Heather Nelson, Brianna N. Nelson, Benjamin A. Nelson, Jordan N. Anderson, Katy M. Anderson, Lacey A. Devin Hinsz, Oakley M. Fix, and Alexis L. Nelson. In addition to her husband, children, and grandchildren she is also survived by three sisters and one brother: Arlene Johnson Trautman of Fergus Falls, MN, Lorraine Johnson Bennett of Jamestown, ND, Dorothy Johnson Gums of Jamestown, ND, and Gordon Johnson of Jamestown, ND. She was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers, and one sister. A cherished wife, loving mother, and valued friend, she will be greatly missed by all. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be given to the American Heart Association and breast cancer research facilities.

JoAnn Nelson

December 29, 1935 - December 23, 2011