Joel "J.D." Nees, 37, died unexpectedly in his sleep, due to an unknown heart condition, on Thursday, September 15, 2011.

He was born in Racine on June 24, 1974, the son of Dean M. and Pamela J. (nee: Hanson) Nees.

Joel had been employed by Great Lakes Skipper. He was an accomplished musician and loved his guitars. Joel also loved his dogs, Talia "T-Bear" and Louie.

Surviving are his mother, Pamela; the love of his life, Ann Linstroth, sisters, Holly (Larry) Kroes, all of Racine, and Heide (Joshua) Garcia, of Milwaukee; grandmother, Jean Hanson, of Burlington; nieces and nephew, Leah, Chloe, Logan and Noah; great nephews, Isaiah, Gunnar, and Chance; aunts and uncles, Dale (Barb) Nees, of Racine, Dyann Nees, of Sturtevant, Betty (Dennis) Tully, of Burlington, and Annette Davis, of Madison. Joel was preceded in death by his father, Dean, on August 31, 2011, and by his grandparents, Marvin and Lorraine Nees, and Bob Hanson.

A personalized celebration of Joel's life will take place in the funeral home on Sunday, September 18th, at 6:00 p.m., with his uncle, Deacon Dale Nees officiating. Relatives and friends can meet with the family on Sunday from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to the family, who will establish a living memorial at a later date.