Joan "Joanie" D. Nickelson

Joan D. Nickelson, 68, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, after a year-long courageous battle with glioblastoma (brain cancer).

Joanie was born on February 15, 1956, to Wayne and Jean Bartlett in Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating from Indianola High School in 1974, she went on to attend AIB College of Business to pursue a degree in stenography. Joanie then moved to Indianapolis, Indiana to begin her career in the court system as a court reporter, where she was known for her positive energy and vibrant personality. Joanie approached life with an infectious enthusiasm and her outlook on life touched everyone she met.

In 1970, Joanie met Roger Nickelson and quickly became high school sweethearts. Married in 1975, they shared a rich, loving life, where Joanie was a devoted mother to her three children Joel, Juliet, and Janelle. Her pride and joy were her eight grandchildren, Paige, Benjamin, William, Abigail, TJ, Piper, Zealand and Rockwell, who brought immense happiness and purpose to her life. She was also a beloved sister to both Gary and Jill, in which she shared a fulfilling, close relationship. Joanie had a huge heart and a contagious love for life, and had a way of making everyone who came in contact with her, feel special.

Joanie was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband, brother, sister, three children and their spouses, and eight grandchildren. A celebration of Joanie’s life will be held to honor her remarkable journey and the loving impact she had on those around her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of positivity, joy, and boundless energy will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind. 

Funeral Services will be held 12 noon Friday, August 23, 2024, at Flanner Buchanan - Hamilton Memorial Park (Prairie Waters), 4180 Westfield Road.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time service.  Interment will immediately follow the funeral at Crownland Cemetery in Noblesville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to IU School of Neurological Surgery to aid in glioblastoma research.

If guests are in need of hotel accommodations, please click here and here.

To view the livestream of the service, please click here.