Joan Nelsen

Joan Nelsen, 93 of Jerome, died Saturday, March 13, 2026, at her home in Jerome, Idaho.

She was born July 27,1932 to Elsie Neddermeir Sonnichsen and Mathias Sonnichsen, emigrants of Germany and Denmark who became naturalized citizens of the United States.

Joan’s father passed away when she was four years old and her brother Sonnich was seven. They lived on a farm Southwest of Jerome with their mother. Joan and Sonnich attended the Canyonside School where there were two grades in each room, grades One through Eight. Her Eighth-grade class had eight students Joan had many fond memories of her years there.

She attended Jerome High School, graduating in 1951. She attended Girls State and was the official bugler. She was a member of the band and the Region Honor Band, playing the trumpet. She attended National High School Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan for two summers. Joan was the President of her Sophomore and Senior class, Freshman Award Livewire, Editor, and Coed Club Council. She was Salutatorian of her graduating class; she played a trumpet solo during graduation exercises and received the American Auxiliary Award.

While growing up she and her mom spent a lot of time at their “Little old cabin” at Easley Hot Springs where they enjoyed swimming and Joan played Taps each evening at the campground.

She attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City her freshman year. While there Joan was the trumpet soloist with the concert band, playing the Hayden Trumpet Concerto and was a member of the Marching Band. She also earned her Lifeguard Certificate.

When she and Jack became engaged, she transferred to Idaho State. They were married in 1953 and moved to a farm northeast of Jerome. Jack passed away in 2020 after 66 years of marriage.

The family, four children, enjoyed skiing at Soldier Mountain where Joan and Jack were Ski Instructors for many years.

Joan was a member of P.E.O. Chapter E. of Jerome since 1951. She returned to school at age 58 and graduated from CSI. She was a Substitue Teacher at the Jerome Schools grades K-12 for many years.

She studied piano with Teala Belline Percin for 14 years and voice with Lynn Berg of Boise State

Having not played the trumpet for 35 years, her son Jon talked her into joining a German Band. She was still paying at age 80 when the group disbanded. She enjoyed playing in the CSI Pep Band with her son Jon while being directed by her son Jack.

Joan enjoyed sewing, making many outfits for her mother, herself and her daughters. She grew a great variety of berries, fruits, and vegetables. Her favorite garden was her rose garden.

She was her husband’s primary caregiver for several years before his passing in 2020.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and infant son and her 10-year-old daughter Julia (leukemia).

She is survived by her children Jack (Emily) Nelsen, Jon (Karen) and Janice (Ken) Lehman. Sister-in-Law Norma (Mike) Stone of Reno, NV and Brother-in-Law Dr. Theron (Darlene) Nelsen of Liberty Lake, WA. Her grandchildren Logan (Amanda), Cade (Katie), Annaslise, Chris, Greg, Matt Nelsen, Joanie and John Lehman. Great grandchildren Klaire, Beck, Amelia and Ellis.

A Celebration of Joan’s life will be conducted 3:00 PM, Sunday March 22, 2026, at the Mountain View Barn 392 E 300 S, Jerome, ID 83338