Jean Y. Nelson

In loving memory of Jean Nelson
Jean Nelson, 73, beloved wife, mom and grandmother, died peacefully in her home in
Colorado Springs, CO on July 16, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Jean loved and supported her family fiercely. She was a great listener and storyteller
and always wanted to be wherever her kids and grandkids were gathered. She had a
generous heart, a fun sense of humor and a big smile.
Jean was born on October 9, 1952, to parents Milton and Dorothy Rystad. She grew up
in Storm Lake, IA with fond memories of fishing with her dad, baking cookies with her
grandma, visiting her uncle’s farm, and serving in the church. She graduated from
Morningside College and worked in accounting for 30 years. But her real passion was
spending time with family, traveling, reading, playing card games, and needlepoint. She
visited all 50 states in her lifetime and lived in Iowa, Texas and Colorado.
Jean is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 34 years, Douglas Nelson, her
daughters Kelly Tullberg and Jackie Oates, her son-in-law John Oates, and her four
grandchildren, Kaitlyn Tullberg, Kamryn Tullberg, Corbin Oates and Logan Oates. The
family will celebrate her life with a private memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be
made to Compassion International or National Audubon Society.

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