Donald Elliot Nelson

Donald Elliot Nelson, passed away June 26, 2012, at the age of 82, at his home in Alread, Arkansas. Donald was born on November 10, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, to Elliot and Esther (Abraham) Nelson. At the age of four the family moved back to Minnesota, settling in Lindstrom, where Donald attended Chelberg and Chi-Hi Elementary School. In 1943 the family moved to the farm in rural Shafer, Minnesota. After graduating from Taylors Falls High School in 1947, he farmed with his father and in 1967 took over the farm following his father’s death. Donald was a member of the Naval Air Reserve for eight years. On July 3rd, 1970 he married Hazel Vaughan. They continued to farm until 1987, when they sold the farm and moved to Arkansas. Donald enjoyed the outdoors and was a great hunter and fisherman. His friends said, “He never let the farming interfere with his hunting and fishing.” He was an avid reader and remembered much of what he read and of life events. He enjoyed telling stories and relating some of these events in great detail. He and Hazel had a busy household with many friends, guests and some unofficial foster children. Many remember the good times and wonderful meals. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife Hazel of Alread, Arkansas; brother Leo (Carol) Nelson of Taylors Falls, Minnesota; nephew Timothy (Sheri) Nelson of Taylors Falls; nieces Rebecca (John) Hulden of Moorhead, Minnesota, Sarah (Joe) Nelson Ehlers of Duluth, Minnesota, Rachel (Broderick) Barrett of Chilton, Wisconsin, 10 great nieces and nephews; in-laws Tut and Edna Vaughan, Jack (Oma) Vaughan, Joe (Carol) Vaughan, all of Alread, Arkansas; Faye Fiene of Isanti, Minnesota; nephews Rich Fiene, Bob (Amy) Owen, Jackie Lynn (Tracy) Vaughan, Rex (Iris) Vaughan, Scott (Jessica) Vaughan, Keith (LeeAnn) Vaughan; nieces Diann (Donny) Watts, Joyce (Jack) Brock, Robin Fiene, Anita (Nathan) Harrington and 59 great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by serveral foster kids and many other relatives and friends. Private interment will occur at a later date in Arkansas.