Joni Rae Nelson

Joni Rae Nelson, 68, of Waterloo, died Thursday, September 26, 2024, while a resident of Harmony Waterloo. She was born July 3, 1956, in Waterloo, the daughter of Jack and Peggy Jordan Nelson. Joni graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1974 and Hawkeye Tech with an associate degree in nursing. She was an LPN for Nurse Finders.

Joni loved nursing and caring for others. She might project that she had a mean disposition, but deep down, she was very caring. Joni loved dogs, enjoyed playing games on the computer and reading Stephen King novels. October was her favorite time of the year. Joni loved horror movies and all Halloween festivities, but she hated live spiders. Joni was a huge Chicago Bears fan.

Joni is survived by her mother, Peggy Nelson, of Waterloo; brothers Joe (Lisa) Nelson of Cedar Rapids and Jeffrey (Debbie) Nelson of Palm Coast, FL; sisters Julie Nelson and Jackie Nelson both of Waterloo; and longtime companion Mike Milburn of Waterloo. She is also survived by nieces Jordan Nelson, Amanda Thompson, and Dallas Grattan and her children Samantha, Alexandria and Daniel. She was preceded in death by her father and niece Sara Nelson.

A family directed Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Online tributes may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.