Joe Dean Nelson was born on September 10, 1932, in Corydon, Iowa to Carroll and Doris Nelson.  Joe and his sister Betty had a difficult childhood after their mother died when Joe was 8 years old.  Joe spent most of his childhood in Michigan, working summers delivering donuts for his father's bakery in Houghton Lake, Michigan.  Joe was a proud veteran of the Korean War, enlisting in the Air Force after high school.  It was during his time in the military when he met his future wife, Pat, dancing at the USO.  Joe would go on to graduate from the University of Michigan with a degree in electrical engineering, with Pat at his side, and with two children -- Linda and Michael.  Joe's sales career took he and his family to many places including Michigan, Illinois, Kansas, and eventually California.  Joe's family was always his priority and family adventures over the years included boating, water skiing, snow skiing, motorcycle riding, and lots of golf.  After retirement, Joe settled in Anaheim, California, at the Sunkist Gardens community.  Joe's many friends and activities there brought him great joy, especially his years serving as grill master for the various social activities.  Joe was generous, kind, funny, caring, and humble.  He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.  He is survived by his ex-wife Pat, his two children, 3 grandsons, and 1 great-grandson.