Joel E. Nelson, 76, of Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born June 2, 1940 in Olsburg, Kansas, the son of Pastor Ernest C. and Mable (Hanson) Nelson.
Joel had resided in Topeka since 1967 and was a member of First Lutheran Church.
Joel married Anita L. Hansen on July 24, 1965 in Ada Lutheran Church, Courtland, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include one son, Paul A. (Rachael) Nelson of Henderson, NV, one sister, Gloria (Bob) Morris of Nocona, TX, one niece, Kristy Otte of Wayne, NE, one nephew, Rick (Donna) Peterson of Concord, NE, one great-niece, Holli Peterson, two great-nephews, Casey Otte and Cory Peterson and several cousins including Sharon (Max) Butts of Wichita, Kansas.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Paul E. Nelson, one sister, Naomi Peterson, his brother-in-law, Iner Peterson and his sister-in-law, Donna Hansen.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at First Lutheran Church. Private inurnment will take place in the Ada Lutheran Church Cemetery, Courtland, Kansas at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Rd., Topeka, Kansas 66604.
Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family. To leave the family a special message, please select the Share Memories option listed above.