Donald Nelson

Donald Eugene Nelson, age 67, of Arbela, MO, died unexpectedly on Saturday, February 1, 2014 in the emergency room of Van Buren Co. Hospital in Keosauqua, IA following an apparent heart attack.

Donald was born October 16, 1946 at Granger, MO, one of three sons of Carlyle Auvergne and Hazel Found Nelson.

He was united in marriage to Judith K. Herring on May 29, 1965 at the Bethlehem Church, spending 50 years together from the time they began dating until his unexpected death.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, of the home; one son, Donnie Eugene (Lori) Nelson of Kahoka; two daughters, Dawn Renee Wheeler of Arbela and Dena Marie Nelson of Ottumwa; six grandchildren: Aiden Dean Nelson and Gabriel Halstead, both of Kahoka, Erin Halstead of Iowa City, Danielle (Bo) Redding of Arbela, Deonna Troxel of Ottumwa and Rebecka Troxel of Iowa City; two brothers, Richard L. Nelson (Carol Dobson) of Arbela and Robert A. (Bonna) Nelson of Luray; brother-in-law, Jack F. (Lois) Herring of Luray; and nieces and nephews and their families: Tim (Tammy) Nelson, Rob (Marcella) Nelson, Lori (Bobbie) Fletcher, Jennifer Nelson (Jason Harrison), Betty (Frank) Raleigh, Ross Nelson, Kathy (Dusty) Warner, Joe (Crystal) Payton, Sarah Clevenger, Rick (Kelly) Nelson, Debbie (Tom) Vangrinsvin, Tammy (Todd) Stull, Sheila (Mike) Tripp, Chrissy (Josh) Justice, Tammy (Tracy) Baker, Mike (Anna) Herring, Delbert Herring, and Sheila Herring; as well as other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Donnie graduated from Memphis High School and was baptized in the Granger Presbyterian Church. He spent 40 years as an employee of Keokuk Steel Castings, from August of 1965 through the fall of 2005 when he retired. He was a member of the Steelworkers Union # 3311.

He farmed all of his life and raised livestock and loved to work from morning until night. The last several years he enjoyed his "gator" which made getting around the farm a lot easier and quicker. He was a proud caretaker of the land and had the honor of receiving several awards for improvements he had made on his farm. The last several years were very special to him as he was able to work side by side with his son, Donnie, caring for livestock daily and assisting him in his diesel mechanic repair business. He loved being with his family and his pets and best friends, Jr. and Buddy.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Rev. Bill Willis officiating. Burial followed in the Bethlehem Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Bethlehem Cemetery.

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