Nelda Lois Johansen

Nelda Lois Johansen, 90, of Chariton, Iowa passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2023. A service will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Chariton. Interment will take place at the Chariton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Memorials may be made in Nelda’s name to the First Lutheran Church in Chariton.

Nelda was born to Elza and Dora Mae (Peyton) McDonald on January 6, 1933. She spent her younger years in Sac City, graduating from Sac City High School, before moving to Audubon. She attended Omaha Business School, and while there, she worked at the chicken processing plant in Omaha. This is where she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Johansen, and they were united in marriage on March 6, 1951. Shortly before Bob passed on March 12, 2021, they celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary.

Nelda and Bob were blessed with six children: three sons: Robert, Jr., Randy, and Ricky; and three daughters: Debra, Nina, and Sharon. The family moved around from Audubon, Centerville, and then settled in Chariton in 1967. She became very involved in her community.

Nelda was such a giving person, especially of her time. She was always willing to volunteer when needed. A few of the places she donated her time were to the Altar Guild and Council of the church, the election committee, and the county fair. She became very close to many while volunteering her time, especially with her church family.

Nelda loved her family fiercely. She attended so many sports and activities of her children and grandchildren, always there cheering them on. She enjoyed quilting and sewing in her free time, as well as crafting. She was an avid Hawkeye fan.

Nelda had many collections, one in particular was her Uncle Sam collection. She was very patriotic and loved red, white, and blue. Another collection was Santa Clauses, especially Crinkle Claus figurines.

Nelda will be dearly missed by her sons, Robert (Glenda) of Chariton and Randy (Martha) of Birmingham, AL; daughters: Debra (Dan) of Lacona, Nina (Stewart) of Charles City, and Sharon of Des Moines; daughter in law, Pat Johansen Heinrichs of Carroll; 13 grandchildren: Nicole, Aaron, Lisa, Adam, Jonathan, Jamie, Melissa, Andrew, Angela, Sherri, Benjamin, Hanna, and Carly; 22 great grandchildren: Gabrielle, Macy, Riley Mae, Hunter, Vance, Evan, A.J., Delaney, Rowan, Charlotte, Nora, Chance, Lucy, Crosby, Cami, Gwen, Vivian, Colton, Madeleine, Mila, Maui, and Jackson; brothers, Don (Laura) McDonald and Roger McDonald; sister, Carol DeLoach; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; son, Ricky Johansen; parents, Elza and Dora Mae McDonald; brother, Darwin McDonald; sister-in-law, Rose Marie McDonald; and brothers-in-law, Shorty Ellis and Slim DeLoach.