Karen “Joleen” Nelson

Karen "Joleen" Nelson, 80, of Lenox, formerly of Corning passed away Friday, April 3, 2020, at Vintage Park in Lenox. Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time. Joleen was cremated. Inurnment will be at Oakland Cemetery at Quincy with a memorial service planned for a later date. Pearson Family Funeral Service and Cremation Center, 701 7th Street, Corning is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church, Corning, Iowa. Memories may be shared at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Karen “Joleen” Nelson was born December 31, 1939, to Joseph Cecil and Leta Viola (Selders) Rubin in Corning. Joleen was raised on a farm near Brooks, south of Corning. Joleen worked in various offices and was the plant manager at “Lazy Ike” as part of her career until retirement. During retirement, Joleen enjoyed playing golf, socializing with her quilting clubs, working in her flower gardens, volunteering at Mercy Hospital and various other places in the community. In April 2018, Joleen moved to Vintage Park where she met new friends and always had a room full of friends visiting. She was a member of Corning First Presbyterian Church.

Joleen is survived by her son Kurt of Omaha, Nebraska; son Joel (Lisa) of West Des Moines; grandchildren: Zach and Tori Nelson of Omaha, Nebraska; Taylor Nelson Umscheid (Joe) of Kansas City, Missouri; Alex Nelson of Stamford, Connecticut, and Nick Nelson of West Des Moines; sister-in-law Hazel Rubin of Johnston; sister-in-law Bernice Lostroh of Glenwood; and several nieces, nephews and many good friends.

Preceding Joleen in death were her husband Robert Dean Nelson; parents Joe and Leta Rubin; father and mother-in-law Virgil and Laverne Nelson; brother Ronald Rubin; brother-in-law Bill Lostroh; granddaughter Tara Nelson; and daughter-in-law Stacie Nelson.