Joyce E. Nelson, 61, of Princeton, Iowa, died from a heart attack on Saturday, September 12, 2009, in New Hampton, Iowa. Joyce was born June 22, 1948, in Columbus, Nebraska, the daughter of Earl and Eleanor (Black) Zellmer.

She was united in marriage to Jim Nelson on September 30, 1967, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Over many years, Joyce was employed in various occupations, notably at Walgreens in Middleton, Wisconsin. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed motorcycling, gardening, and the company of her dog and cat. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren.

Joyce was survived by her husband, Jim; her daughters, Tina (Gene) Gibson, of Marlow, Oklahoma; and Angela (Dan) Tevik, of Bettendorf, Iowa; her son, Matthew Nelson, of Davenport, Iowa; her grandchildren, Gene Gibson, Tommy (Becka) Gibson, Royal Gibson, Terri Gibson, Zachary Tevik and Caleb Tevik; her great-grandchildren, Montana and Trevor; her sister, Nancy (Paul) Cianci, of Colorado; her brothers, Kenneth (Ruth) Zellmer, of Arkansas, and John (Andrea) Zellmer, of Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents.

A service to celebrate her life was held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2009, at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf. Visitation was from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Gilda’s Club of the Quad-Cities.

This obituary was published on the website of the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf, Iowa.