Joseph Leonard Pelster was born August 18, 1927 in his parent’s home five miles south of Elgin, NE. His parents were Joseph and Anna (Uphoff) Pelster. He graduated from St. John Berchman High School at Raeville, NE. On September 9, 1948 Joe was united in marriage with Delores Heithoff at St. Boniface Catholic Chruch in Elgin and together raised seven children in his birth home.

In 1987, they moved to Elgin to enjoy semi-retirement. He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church. Joe farmed his entire life, but his big love was ranching and feeding cattle. In 2002, Joe sold his last cattle. During the early years of his marriage, he owned a construction outfit: building terraces, dams and tree removal. Along with running the bulldozers, he owned a small trucking operation and a custom wheat combining business. He was a member of the Boone County Fitness Center Board, Pope John School Board, and the Wolf Memorial Good Samaritan Center Board. As a lifetime member of the Harley Owner’s Group, Joe’s passion in semi-retirement years included motorcycles and traveling. His favorite past times were collection and restoring old bikes and riding his Harleys. In his late 60’s , Joe also enjoyed competing in Hand Cornhusking competitions, where he was a 2-time State Champion and 1-time National Champion in the Open Division.

Survivors include his wife Delores Pelster; daughters: Doris Faust & husband Jerry of Petersburg; Suzanne Seier & husband Mike of Neligh; Janet Schmitt & husband Mike, and Christine Dinslage & husband Randy, both of Elgin; sons: Joseph (Jay) Pelster & wife Lynn of Norfolk; Thomas Pelster & wife Lori of Petersburg; Charles Pelster & wife Connie of Elgin; sisters: Margaret Schrage and Florentine Vanderheiden of Elgin; Ann Borer of Albion; Sally Meis of Petersburg; 24 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, 1 sister, and 4 brothers-in-law.