Joseph Harold Nelson

Joseph Harold Nelson, loving husband, father and grandfather, died in the early morning hours of October 9, 2022 in Logan, Utah, surrounded by his family. Always the gentleman, he waited for his beloved Nannie to cross the threshold of wonder first, two months earlier.

Joe was born to Thelma and Harold Nelson in Grace, Idaho on November 1, 1932, the second of seven children. After spending his early life in Brigham City, UT, his family moved to Logan, UT, where he was Junior Class President at Logan High School and a graduate of Utah State Agricultural College (USU) in 1954.

Seven years after meeting at a church dance, he married his sweetheart, Nanette Gibbons, in the Logan Temple on July 25, 1956. He was a faithful loving husband, held her with steady arms and made her laugh almost every day of their 66 years together.

After graduating from the University of Utah School of Medicine in 1958, Joe and Nanette lived in Washington D.C. and Hawaii to complete his internship and residency. He later became the chief of orthopedic service at Fort Carson Army Hospital in Colorado and chief of a 450-bed orthopedic service during the Vietnam War near Tokyo, Japan, where he received the Army Distinguished Service Award. In 1969, Joe and Nanette returned to Logan, UT to establish his private practice and raise six amazing children together with loads of dedication and heart.

Dad was a skilled surgeon, rebuilt thousands of hips and knees and was affectionately called “Jumpin’ Joe” by his colleagues and staff at Logan Regional Hospital. He later joined the Army reserves, served in Germany during Desert Storm and retired with the rank of Colonel in 1996. Throughout his life, he was often greeted and recognized by thankful patients all over town.

Dad was handsome, faithful, funny, forgiving and kind. His generosity with his wallet blessed thousands of people, often anonymously. He served two missions with Nanette, in Virginia and Ukraine, and served faithfully in numerous community and church positions throughout his life.

Little humans, especially grandkids and great grandkids were Dad’s very favorite people. He wrapped them up with his giant heart, read them books, made them giggle and often snuggled up with them for naps.

He loved to craft beautiful things with his hands in his woodshop at home. He was a crossword and sudoku master and loved western movies, a game of cards or aggravation, chocolate bridge mix and Aggie basketball and football games. His kids and grandkids were often the lucky recipients of his love affair with ice cream.

We love you Dad. We will miss your hilarious wit, your gorgeous smile and your giant heart. Thank you for holding all of us in your safe and loving arms.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Nanette, brother Larry, and great-granddaughter Sapphire. He will be dearly missed by his children Barbara (Don), Ronald (Kristi), Katherine (George), Jennifer (Mitch), Beverly (Travis) and Merrianne (Steve); 49 gorgeous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Pauline (Walt) Wagner, Judy (Al) Lindsey, Carol (Don) Alcorn, Sue (Lyle) Heaps, Merri (Bob) Rock and sister-in-law Mary Ann Nelson; and many friends.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service on Wednesday, October 12, at 1:00 pm at the Logan City Cemetery. The service will be live-streamed and recorded at www.allenmortuaries.net , where memories can be shared and a slideshow of Joe’s life can be enjoyed. In lieu of flowers, please consider helping someone in need in honor of Dad.