"Dear Alex, Corrine and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Don was the first one to befriend me back when I started working at Bud's Super Value in the late 70s. If I had seen this sooner I would have come to visitation. That he never met a stranger says it all. May God bless you during this difficult time and may you rejoice in the long life he was able to share with you all! with deepest sympathy, Schelly O. "
In loving memory of
Donald Nelson
November 15, 2007
Donald Nelson, 77, eldest son of Donald Otis and Evelyn Buss Nelson was born March 15, 1930 in Oak Park, Illinois. He was educated in the Tipton school district and graduated from Tipton High School in 1948. He married Donna Jean Brogan in Iowa City on March 27, 1950.
Don was a jack of all trades. He was an over the road truck driver and sold bottled gas for Nelson Hardware, his parent’s business. For many years in Tipton he was the frozen food manager in Bud’s Super Value. He also helped Bud Waugh with odd jobs. He and Gene Gray started the first ambulance service in Tipton. When Don and Donna moved to Newton in 1980, Don worked a short time at Mr. G’s grocery store and then as an assemblers for displays and products at Wal-Mart.
Don was an avid bowler, bowling in several leagues in Tipton and Newton. He bowled two 300 games after the age of 65. He attended several Pro-Am bowling tournaments, and loved teaching young children as well as his grandchildren how to bowl. Don never knew a stranger.
Through the years Don and his wife, Donna, enjoyed trail rides with the Adar County Saddle Club, square dancing, traveling to Arizona, going to Wal-Mart’s shareholder meetings, Matthew Brown Descendants reunions, taking care of foster children, and visiting with friends and family. After Donna’s death, Don and his companion, Laura Etter, enjoyed going to bluegrass events, calling bingo at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home, and visiting family.
Don was a member of the Optimist Club and Isacc Walton League. He collected stamps, coins, eagles and various trinkets. He was an avid hunter, loved watching war movies and Westerns, especially John Wayne movies. He had a special place in his heart for animals, especially dogs and horses. He cheered on the Chicago Bears and spent many hours watching games. Don loved country western music, especially Chris LeDouix.
He is survived by his son, Alex (Corrine) Culver of Winfield, Iowa, three grandchildren; Ian, Marion, Greg (Megan), Albermarle, N.C., and Lindsey (Nick) Yoder, Mt. Pleasant, Ia; one brother, Jack (Shirley) Nelson, Rochester, MN, and his companion of the last 7 years, Laura Etter, Newton, Ia, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Don was preceded in death by his wife in 1999, his parents, brother, Richard, and his sister, Betty Bird. A memorial fund has been established for the Tipton Ambulance.
Donald died Thursday, November 15, Skiff Hospital in Newton, Iowa. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 20 at 11:00 am, Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, with the Rev. David Lorenzen officiating. Burial will follow in the Tipton Masonic Cemetery.1930-03-15T00:00:00.00023684.023684.023685.023708.039300.025865.00.00.00.02007-11-19T00:00:00.000
Tributes
"Alex and family, Don always held a special spot in Gayla's heart. As conservative as she was at times, Don always seemed to find a way to make her smile and broaden her perspectives. I loved the photo. The flair, the twinkle, the smile and the cigar captured the man I will remember fondly. I will share your sadness with his passing. "
"Alex and Corrine and family: Ed and I were so sorry about Don, although it has been several years since seeing Don, we still have alot of fond and fun memories ofboth your parents. Especially when we both worked with your mom at the telephone, and had our little get togethers, you always knew if Don was going to be there we were going to have a good time with alot of laughs. I dont think we can ever remember either Don or Donna without a smile on their face. Again you all have our deepest sympathy and prayers. Ed and Jo Dietz"