Donald H. Nelson of Cokato passed away at Dassel Lakeside Nursing Home On May 27, 2017
Memorial Service; 11 AM Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cokato
Visitation; begins at 10AM on Tuesday at Church
Interment: Cokato Finnish Cemetery
Donald Henry Nelson was born on March 26, 1929, to Fred and Anna (Hurula) Nelson at Cokato, Minnesota, the second youngest of 9 children. He grew up on the farm North of Cokato, and was baptized and confirmed at the Apostolic Lutheran Church. He graduated from Cokato High School in 1947.
On July 12, 1952 Donald married the love of his life Bertha “Buddy” Saari. Don served in the US Army from 1954-1956. He was stationed in Germany; Buddy went to Germany to be with Don while he was in the service. During this time they travelled extensively throughout Europe. Once Don was released from duty, they returned to their farm North of Cokato and continued farm for many years to come.
Their baby girl was born May 10, 1957 and died that same day. Their son Scott Donald was born January 2, 1959, Tragically, Scott was lost in a farming accident on July 2, 1960.
Don and Buddy enjoyed extensive traveling (China, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, Canada, most of the 50 states, Finland and Europe). They enjoyed their ritual of cribbage games. They were members of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato.
In 1995 Don and Buddy bought their winter home in Apache Junction, AZ. In 2002 Don retired from farming and they built their retirement home on a portion of the land they had farmed for over 50 years. Buddy passed away on June 9, 2014,
Donald Nelson passed away at the Dassel Lakeside Nursing Home on May 26, 2017; he had reached the age of 88 years 2 months and 1 day. Survivors include: sisters, Mildred Nelson and Shirley Tyni. Many nieces and nephews and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Donald is preceded in death by: his parents Fred and Anna, Wife Bertha, baby girl, son Scott. Sisters: Mabel (Verlund) Compton, Alice (Jacob) Hoikka, Dorothy (Martin) Lampi. Brothers: Ralph (Harriet), Harry (Ruth), and Carl (Marilyn).
He will be greatly missed.
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