Donald Gale Nelson, 86, Sturgeon Lake, died Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at his family farm home where he was raised.  He loved the farm and the daily farm life he shared with his wife and family.

Donald was born in Moose Lake, MN on April 14, 1937 to Harold and Myrtle Nelson.  He was a Veteran of the United States Army.  On October 13, 1962, Donald married Karen Lee Boldrey at St. Mary's Church in Willow River.  He started a career as a heavy equipment operator with the Local 49 Operating Engineers.  While he enjoyed his career as a heavy equipment operator, his real passion was farming and raising cattle.  After taking over the family dairy farm, he continued with the dairy operation until eventually passing the dairy operations to his grandson, Alan and then retiring while staying involved in farming, raising beef cattle, and continuing the daily farm activities of plowing, cutting hay, and planting corn.  Donald remained on this tractor as long as he could get himself on it; spending long days in the fields well into his later years.  When he could no longer get himself on his tractor, Donald used his pickup truck to stay involved in the farm operations and would spend time visiting his neighborhood friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Harold and Myrtle Nelson; brothers: James Nelson and Dale Nelson; and his sister: Diane Nelson.

Donald is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Karen; children: Sherri (Thomas) Rybak, Debra (Leonard) Klejeski, Steven (Sheryl) Nelson, and Andrew Nelson; his grandchildren: Alan (Jenny) Klejeski, Donna (Joseph) Skierka, Paul Klejeski, Matthew (Mary) Klejeski, Sara (Charles) Rybak-Carlson, Michael Rybak, Carla (Ken) Wyne, Emma Nelson, Gage Nelson, Landon Nelson, and Aubree Nelson; many great grandchildren; sister-in-law: Beverly Nelson; nieces and nephews.

On behalf of Donald and his family, many thanks are given to Essentia Home Health Care and Heartland PCA nurses and care attendants for their support.

A Rosary service will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 10:30 am in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.  Visitation will be from 11 am until 12:00 pm at the funeral home.  We will then process to St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery for graveside services along with Military Honors.  Following the graveside services, lunch and fellowship will continue at St. Mary's Center, Willow River.