Donald Edward Nelson

Donald Edward Nelson, age 83, of Cosmos, died on Friday, February 26, 2016, at the Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 29, 2016, at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos. Visitation will be held Sunday from 5:30 until 8:00 PM at the church and also one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Cosmos. Military honors will be provided by the Cosmos American Legion Honor Guard. Donald Edward Nelson was born on June 5, 1932 in Cosmos, Minnesota the son of Erwin and Anna Marie Clara (Arnold) Nelson. He grew up in the Cosmos area and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1952. Don was drafted in 1953 and served in the US Army during the Korean War until 1955. After serving in the military he worked in California on road construction for a short time. He then moved back to Minnesota and work as a union iron worker. Don moved to Cosmos and began farming in 1958. In 1959, he married Deanna Petersdorf in Cosmos. Don was an active member of his community and church. He served on the church council at Peace Lutheran Church, and was a member of the American Legion in Cosmos. He was active with Cosmos Industries, Cosmos Development and the Cosmos Community Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping and spending time with his family. Donald is survived by his wife Deanna Nelson of Cosmas, children, June Anderson of Rosemount, Dean (and Donna) Nelson of Grove City, Penney (and Ron) Blankenship of Litchfield, Lyle Nelson (and special friend Patty) of Cosmos, and Wayne Nelson (and special friend Pam) of Cosmos; 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Clifton (and Faith) Nelson of Grove City and Jim (and Judy) Nelson of Litchfield and sister, Donna Johnson of Sibley, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Anna Marie Clara Nelson, first wife Muriel Nelson father and mother-in-law, Lyle and Lorraine Petersdorf, brothers-in-law, Edward Petersdorf and Keith Johnson. Previous Events Visitation Sunday, February 28, 2016 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Peace Lutheran Church 140 Saturn Street Cosmos, MN 56228 Visitation Monday, February 29, 2016 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM Peace Lutheran Church 140 Saturn Street Cosmos, MN 56228 Visitation Monday, February 29, 2016 11:45 AM Peace Lutheran Cemetery Cosmos, MN 56228