Donald T. Nelson, 83, died Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 at Adams Health Care Center.
Donald Thomas Nelson was born Jan. 4, 1927 in Austin to Carl and Edna (Paige) Nelson. Following graduation from Austin High School, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving from 1944 until 1947. On Feb. 18, 1949, he married Mary Jane Gonzalez at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church in Albert Lea. Don was employed by the Hormel Corporation for more than 40 years. Don coached youth boxing for more than 20 years. He developed 10 sectional champions and four Upper Midwest champions. Don was the All-Service Champion in the featherweight division in 1947 and in 1983 received the Golden Gloves “Man of the Year” award for outstanding contributions in the Golden Gloves program.
He is survived by his wife, Mary J. Nelson, Austin; children, Thomas M. (Kim) Nelson, Austin, Sharon M. (Mo) Gerak, Delray Beach, Fla., Craig D. (Peggy) Nelson, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Rick J. (Julie) Nelson, Austin, Patrick E. Nelson, Austin, John F, (Lynn) Nelson, Eau Claire, Wis.; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley Diedrich, Faye (Bud) Harrington, both of Austin; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Kenneth, Robert, Harold; one sister, Claire Bawek.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Glenn Monson officiating. Friends may call at the Worlein Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday one hour prior to the service. The American Legion Post 91 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 1218 are in charge of military rites.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.worlein.com.
Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.