Janet M Nelson

The endless night has passed

I’m in my Saviors arms

Safely home at last

Janet was born in Birmingham, Michigan, on April 15, 1931, to Marius and Neva Fossenkemper. She is survived by her husband, Donald; sons, Navy Captain (retired) Eric K. Nelson (wife, Sally; children, Eleanor and Madeline of Canberra, Australia); Craig K. Nelson of Maryland and Colorado; Kurt D. Nelson (wife, Judy; children, Jerred, Shauna and Tyler of Highlands Ranch, Colorado); Dr. Karl M. Nelson (wife, Mary; children, Katherine, Cecilia and Andrea of Seattle, Washington); and daughter, Dr. Crisse A. Hall (husband, Roger; children, Jackson and Peter of Billings, Montana). Janet attended Kingswood Preparatory School at Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. After graduation, she entered the Conservatory at Oberlin College in Ohio. Janet spent her early years studying violin with Josef Gingold, and continued her study of stringed instruments while at Oberlin. Moving to Denver, Janet started her teaching career in the Denver Public School System. During that time, she played violin in the Denver Business Men’s Orchestra. She married Donald in Pueblo in 1954, and returned to Denver until the end of the school year. Moving to Gunnison, she taught in the Gunnison Public School System and was concert mistress of the College Community Orchestra. Returning to Pueblo in 1958, Janet taught physical education at Keating Junior High. While raising five children, Janet became involved in the American Kennel Club (AKC) and eventually became a certified AKC judge. Raising and training her own dogs, she won the AKC National Championship in Obedience with her Puli sheep dog named Katica. Janet began a second career as Director of the Pueblo YWCA, then as Executive Director of the Columbine Girl Scout Council. During these years, she studied advanced cello with Jurgen DeLemos at the University of Colorado. She later became principal cellist with the Pueblo Symphony. A lifelong equestrian, she continued to ride and care for her horses until late in her last years. She was also a member and past president of the GO chapter of PEO. At Janet’s request, cremation and no service. Online condolences at www.tgmccarthy.com. Arrangements by TG McCarthy Funeral Home.