Joeann Nelson Obituary

Joeann was born on February 7, 1926, in Sacramento, a beloved only child to Joseph and Ann Diepenbrock, and entered into Eternal Life on August 22, 2025. As a lifelong Sacramentan, she attended school from kindergarten through twelfth grade and became known for her beautiful soprano voice. She sang in musicals as well as many weddings and wonderful social events. She loved it. Her greatest joy came when she enrolled at Dominican College, where she made deep, lifelong friendships and received her teaching credential. Joeann cherished those years at Dominican. Soon after her graduation, she began teaching kindergarten in Sacramento and enjoyed a 35-year teaching career.

She had four children and adored being a mother. Joeann was a devout Catholic and was guided by her faith and her love for God. For much of her life, she attended daily Mass-she was a "church hopper". She always found a Mass being said somewhere.

Joeann loved to entertain, and was famous for creating personalized greeting cards, which she called K.A.W. (Kindergarten Art Work). She had a wonderful sense of humor and was truly loved by all.

Joeann is survived by her daughter Gretchen Fritz, her son Joe Fritz (Isabel), and her stepchildren Eric Nelson (Markela), Christine Vaught (Steve), Doug Nelson (Judith), Grant Nelson (Janey), and Buffie Mumm (Brad). She also leaves behind nephews David Yost, Craig Yost (Jane), and niece Judy Knight (Don) as well as many beloved Diepenbrock cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her son Christopher Fritz, her daughter Ann Fritz, her loving husband Edgar Nelson, her parents Joe and Ann Diepenbrock, her former husband Fritz H. Fritz, and her nephew Billy Yost.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 3263 First Avenue, Sacramento, 95817. Private burial to be held at a later date. Donations may be sent in Joeann's name to Clara's House, 2700 L Street, Sacramento, 95816, or Dominican University, 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901.