Don Nelson

Don Nelson, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 surrounded by his family at the Herbert & District Integrated Healthcare Facility, Herbert, SK.

Donald “Don” Alfred Nelson was born July 27, 1934 to Axel & Anna (Gulstein) Nelson in Herbert, SK. Don was blessed to have a mother who lived her faith in God and was a very loving and compassionate person. Don and his siblings — Edward, Ken, and Esther — grew up on the family farm. He attended the Lundeen country school, which admittedly, was not his favorite place. He said he used to sit in the school room and look out the window at the rolling hills of home, wishing he was there.

Don was a member of the Lutheran Church and confirmed his faith in God at the Highland Lutheran Church. Don, like his mother, was a very kind and compassionate person, also quiet and humble. Don’s uncles — Olaf, Oliver, and Edwin — were very much a big part of Don’s life and they were there to instruct and help as needed.

On July 14, 1962 Don married his soulmate, Sharon Muri. I remember thanking God that day for Don and looking forward to sharing life together — which we did, for nearly 60 years.

Don built a new family home on the farmyard, next to his mother’s home, and for many years we got to enjoy this wonderful woman. Over the years, their home was richly blessed and filled with children. Shayne David was the first child to join the family, followed by Donnie and Juanita. John Esin was also part of our family for four and a half years. Then came their foster children and Savanah and Aleisha Blackbird. Shayne married Veronica Paddy and her son, Jim Bob. Don was the favorite with his sparkly blue eyes, warm hugs, and crazy jokes. Then came the grandchildren, and he became a proud Papa. Juanita (Jesse) had Jaden, Sage and Talon – Shayne (Veronica) Jim Bob and Abigail – then came the great-grandchildren, Jaden (Jeremy) Zac and Zaida, Sage (Sonny) – Asanee, Sierra, Romeo, Bravery – Talon (John) Ava, Ashton, Jim Bob (Justus) Carla, Sapphire, Ari, and Carl.

Don and his brother, Ken, farmed together and got along like a hand and glove. Don always had the philosophy, “Don’t worry about doing 50% — do all you can.” The only exception was when it came to bookwork, that was all Ken’s responsibility. Don’s son, Shayne, later joined the family farming operation and later Scott Larsen, Chris Kuhl and his son, Donnie came to help.

Don enjoyed his farm and hard work. He also enjoyed building. Though he didn’t have a degree in physics, it came to him naturally and mentally working out the math was one of his strengths.

Don was not a coffee shop person, but always enjoyed a good visit with friends when they came to the farm or just out and about somewhere, leaning against the truck. He probably visited with his uncles, Cam Weppler, and Roy Larsen the most. He also kept beehives with Roy and many happy hours were spent together, working on that.

Don leaves his family to cherish many wonderful memories and rejoice in his life. Don will be dearly missed by his wife, Sharon Nelson; his children, Shayne (Veronica) and (Jesse); his grandchildren, Jaden (Jeremy), Sage (Sonny), Talon (John), Jim Bob (Justus), and Abigail; his great-grandchildren, Zac, Zaida, Asanee, Sierra, Romeo, Bravery, Ava, Ashton, Carla, Sapphire, Ari, and Carl.

Don was predeceased by his daughter, Juanita; his parents, Axel & Anna Nelson; and by his brother, Edward (Joan).

Don leaves us to thank God for the person he was and to remember the many wonderful memories. We rejoice in his life, as well as miss him so much from the family already mentioned, along with his siblings, Ken and Esther; his extended family, Marilyn (Gerry) Lofthaug, Kristi, Trina (Jason) and family; his nieces and nephews; and by many other extended family members and friends.

The Funeral Service for Don Nelson was held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 2:30 pm from St. Paul Lutheran Church, Herbert, SK with Pastor Manfred Kurschner officiating. “The Love of God,” “Amazing Grace,” “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” “Into the Hills,” and “Thine is the Glory” were sung by the congregation, with Linda O’Neil serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Donovan Epp, who sang “In Times Like These” and “How Great Thou Art.” Talon Nelson read Psalm 139:1-6, Teri Pipki read Isaiah 60:10, Ezekiel 34:15-16, Psalm 34:15-18, and Philippians 4:4-7, and Pastor Lincoln Vellacott read Psalm 103:10-14. The ushers in the church were Rudi Pipki and Jamie Baxter.

The interment service took place immediately after the funeral service from the Highland Cemetery, Herbert District, SK with Jesse Paddy, Chris Kuhl, Scott Larsen, Jason Lycklama, Ben Hofer, Troy Weppler, and Jim Bob Paddy serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers are all those who shared in Don's life. 

In memory of Don Nelson, donations made to  the St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund would be appreciated by the family. 

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