Donald J. Nelson, age 95, of Annandale died Saturday, January 21, 2017 at his home with his family at his side.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 26, 2017 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Annandale with Rev. Dave Nelson officiating.  Burial will follow at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery near Little Falls.  Visitation will be 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church in Annandale. Memorials are preferred to the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum – 1289 N. 2nd St. Abilene, TX 79601

Donald Joseph Nelson was born April 24, 1921 in Litchfield to Joseph and Edda (Fuller) Nelson. He graduated from Annandale High School with the Class of 1939. On December 20, 1943, Don was united in marriage to Geraldine Triplett in Waite Park. He served his country during WWII in the US Army with the 12th Armored Division, 714th Tank Division; the "Hellcats".  Don retired after 30 years as the Annandale Rural Route 3 carrier.  He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Annandale, Annandale and Maple Lake V.F.W., National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Rural Mail Carriers Association and a member of the 12th Armored Association. Don enjoyed hunting, traveling, reading, cross country skiing, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Geraldine of Annandale; children Joan (Myron) Uecker of Buffalo, Lynne (Bob) Totz of Clearwater, Gwen Nelson (Doug Fries) of Maple Lake and Donna Nelson of Annandale; older sister Ruby Schmitz of Franklin, VA; 8 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and 4 great great grandchildren. Don is preceded in death by his parents; brother Harold Nelson; and great grandson Justin Berg.

The pallbearers will be Brian Hulett, Brett Hulett, Tim Totz, Todd Totz, Jeff Uecker and Mark Painschab. Orma Lou Jacobsma, Alison Totz and Jessica Pavlenko will provide the music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.