Joanne L. Pelc-Nickel

Joanne L. (Pelc) Nickel was born on July 4, 1949, after the Blizzard of ’49 to Rudolph F. and Bonita M. (Williams) Pelc. She arrived on the 3rd floor of the old Ainsworth (NE) Hospital. Home for her was on the ranch southwest of Johnstown, NE.

Joanne, “Jo” to her friends, loved the ranch, horses, dogs and cat. She suffered her first broken arm at the age of three when she fell off her dad’s horse, her usual safe spot when with her dad. Jo started school in the old Johnstown grade school with a lower and an upper room. Bus rides were a challenge in the winters, getting stuck often at the bridge before arriving at the ranch driveway.

Starting high school meant boarding in town. Jo did not like this. After high school, Jo wanted to go to college. Her parents were not supportive. Thanks to an aunt and summer employment, she attended and graduated from Chadron (NE) State College in 1971.

Jo worked with people with mental challenges until 1988 when she married Leo Nickel and they made their home in Colby, KS. Jo and Leo enjoyed 36 years of life together, They had many fun times together, and Jo enjoyed sharing horses and going on trail rides.

Jo earned her teaching certificate at Colby College and taught English, Speech and One-Act Plays for thirteen years in Nebraska until her cancer diagnosis.

She passed from life on Palm Sunday (April 13, 2025) at Norfolk, NE from a stroke.

Those left to mourn her passing, her husband, Leo of Ainsworth; brother, Kenneth Pelc (Janis Koch) of Hastings, NE; along with other family members.

Rest in peace, your pain and suffering are over.

A Graveside Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Wilbur Juett officiated at the event. Charlotte Wales provided music singing, “On the Wings Of A Dove” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Memorials were suggested to the Ainsworth Public Library in Joanne’s name. Hoch Funeral Home assisted with arrangements and online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.