Donald Nielsen Obituary

In Loving Memory Of

Donald Glenn Nielsen

Don Nielsen was born on August 16, 1947, in Tyler, Minnesota to Everett and Martha Pouwe Nielsen. He grew up in the Ruthton area and graduated from Ruthton High School in 1968, that same year Don was drafted and joined the United States Navy serving in Vietnam. Don served 29 years in the United States Navy. On October 20, 1973, he and Marlys Gunnink were married at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lake Wilson, MN. Following their marriage, they made their home in Lake Wilson where Don did over the road trucking until opening his mechanic shop in Lake Wilson. He sold the business in 1990. Don then went to work for the City of Lake Wilson not long after starting with the city the Chandler/Lake Wilson tornado hit Lake Wilson. Don was tasked with the enormous city-wide clean-up of city property. Don retired from the city in 2018. Due to failing health Don began receiving home hospice care from Murray County Hospice in June of 2025. Don entered the Murray County Medical Center on June 17, 2025, for respite care. He passed away there on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the age of 77. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lake Wilson. Don was a Gun Safety instructor for many years. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards.

Survivors include his wife, Marlys Nielsen of Lake Wilson, MN, one son, Lonnie Nielsen of Iona, MN one granddaughter, Jasmine Nokes of Pipestone, MN, 7 siblings and their spouses, Dennis and Lynn Nielsen of Valley Springs, SD, Darlene and Ken Satted of Brandon, SD, Delores Baarber of Hendricks, MN, Carl and Stacy Nielsen of Tyler, MN, Darrel Nielsen and Tammy Rogers of Adrian, MN, Betty and Kevin Van Laar of Clovis, CA, and Barbara and Mike Langner of Valley Springs, SD, and several in-laws, nieces and nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Services

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lake Wilson, MN on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. with Mark Carlson officiating. The organist is Darlene Bose. Interment will be private. Military honors accorded by the Lake Wilson American Legion Post.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com

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