Joan Nelson, 63, of Orchard, formerly of Page, passed away March 12, 2018, at her home.

Joan Louise Matschullat was born on March 10, 1955, in O’Neill to Dale and Barbara (Harrison) Matschullat. She graduated from O’Neill High School in 1973. She attended the Lincoln Court Recording School in Lincoln.

Joan spent most of her life in North Platte, working as a dispatcher for the North Platte Police Department, then later for the Nebraska State Patrol.

She married Steven Nelson on Aug. 12, 1993, in Denver. In 1995, the couple moved back to the Page area to help on the family farm.

Joan enjoyed fast cars, especially her Corvette. She was a huge animal lover and always had a special place in her heart for horses, dogs and cats. Being a grandmother was Joan’s favorite thing to do. She loved to spend time with and take care of her grandkids.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; a sister-in-law, Sue Matschullat; and a cousin, Milton Hill.

Joan is survived by her husband, Steven of Orchard; two children, Kris (Keri) Matschullat of Page and Dr. Erin (Todd) Kindred of Papillion; five grandchildren, Sierra Matschullat, TJ Kindred, Autumn Kindred, Austin Matschullat and Shane Kindred; one brother, Doug (Bert) Matschullat of Page; one sister, Jan Gratz of Annapolis, Maryland; one nephew, Jake Gratz of Fort Collins, Colorado; and two nieces, Tracy (Brian) Kaczor of Ewing and Tricia (Jason) Wiseman of Page.

Services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 19, at the United Methodist Church, Page, with Pastor A.G. Turner officiating. Inurnment will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Biglin’s Mortuary, O’Neill, which is in charge of arrangements.