Joanne Marie (Kraft) Nelson was born November 13, 1935, to the late Harry and Adah (Severson) Kraft in Worthington, MN. Growing up, Joanne was a proud member of the Brewster Girls Drum and Bugle Corps where she was a majorette. She graduated from Brewster High School in 1953 and went on to attend Worthington Junior College. On March 25, 1955, Joanne married her high school sweetheart, Larry Nelson. Larry and Joanne were blessed with two sons, Kurt and Kirby, two daughters, Roxanne and Nikki, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Joanne loved music and dedicated her life to filling the world with it. Upon graduation, she began playing organ at First Presbyterian Church in Brewster and gave piano lessons to countless students out of her home. After building their “home in the woods” in 1967, Joanne was the organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Windom, MN. She continued playing organ and piano for church services, choirs, funerals, and weddings for over 60 years!
Joanne worked side by side with her husband at Larry’s Paint Store. She was a master seamstress, while Larry took care of the paint and wallpaper, Joanne created beautiful draperies. Joanne knitted and sewed hundreds of original creations for friends and family that will be cherished forever. Together with her family, Joanne spent several years raising and showing American Saddlebred horses. Even after they were finished showing their own horses, Larry and Joanne would attend various horse shows selling some of Joanne’s original creations to her faithful customers.
Some of Joanne’s favorite hobbies included the Women’s Bowling League in Windom and playing bridge or any number of card games with her dear friends. She was a shrewd card player, never wanting to lose those nickels! Joanne also took great pride in watching and cheering on her grandchildren, great nieces and nephews playing in any sporting event in the area!
Joanne is lovingly remembered by her husband, Larry Nelson; sons, Kurt Nelson (Vicki Olsen) of St. James, MN, Kirby (Kim) Nelson of Lexington, KY; daughters, Roxanne (Tim) Lockard of Russel, IA, and Nikki (Jim) Jorgenson of Westbrook, MN; four grandchildren, two great grandchildren; and one sister Harriet Schmitz Miller.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Adah Kraft; mother and father-in-law, Hans and Alice Nelson; her sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Donald Baumgard; and her brothers-in-law Clarence Schmitz, Ron Miller, Mick Anderson, and Ronnie Nelson.
God bless the memory and family of Joanne Marie Nelson.
A Celebration of Life Service for Joanne Nelson, age 87, of Windom, was held Monday, July 10th at the First Presbyterian Church in Windom.
Arrangements are under the care of the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Windom. Condolences and memories of Joanne may be sent online to www.lacannefuneralhome.com.
