Donald Edwin Nelson

Donald Edwin Nelson, 89, of Richfield, MN passed away on November 17, 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on a farm in Mahtowa, MN to Louis and Edna (Olson) Nelson on July 19, 1933. Upon graduating from Barnum High School in 1951, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the first angled-deck aircraft carrier during the Korean War. After serving, he moved to the Twin Cities where he married Shirley Hendrickson in 1957. They had two children.

Don worked a variety of jobs before being employed at what is now US Bank. He proudly worked there for over 30 years before retiring, working his way up from the paint shop to a vice presidential position in property management. In his spare time he could be found gardening, traveling, watching planes at the airport, and dedicating many hours to Southview Seventh-day Adventist Church. Don was a loving husband and father, always happy to tackle any project his wife, children, or grandchildren were undertaking. He was known as a hard worker, generous to all with his time, money, and talents. Even as disease stole his memories, he was still gracious and endearing to all who knew and cared for him.

Donald is survived by his children, Vicki (Scott) Turner of Kindred, ND and James Nelson of Richfield, MN; brother, Philip (Sharon) Nelson of Cambridge, MN; grandchildren, Jessica and Krista Turner and many nephews, nieces and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley; his brother, Gordon Nelson; and his sisters, Norma Jean Kobb and Helen Muhvic.

Many thanks to Matrix, Maxwell House, Abbott Northwestern and N.C. Little Hospice who all did such a wonderful job caring for Donald the last eight years.