Don Peter Nelson

Don Peter Nelson, 88, of Pinewood, MN, passed away October 8, 2024, at the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center in Bemidji, MN.

Don was born January 1, 1936, to Sewell P. and Augusta “Gustie” (Schachtschneider) Nelson at the family home in Buzzle Township, MN. He was baptized in the Clearwater River that flowed through the farm. He attended Solway School, The Tin School, Riverview school, and Pinewood School. Don was confirmed and married at the Pinewood Lutheran Church in Pinewood, MN. Don was united in marriage to Joyce Lofgren on September 15, 1956. This year they celebrated 68 years of marriage.

Don enjoyed his childhood growing up on the family farm and all the chores one does with farming. He told the story of driving a tractor at the age of 5 years old, his older brother Dick looking on. When his father Sewell and stepmother Reata, moved from the farm to Pinewood, he worked at his father’s gas station, pumping gas. His father also had a threshing machine that Don took to farms in the area and logging business Don drove the truck for. When he was 18 years old, he went to Minneapolis and worked pouring cement sidewalks for a couple years. When his father passed away in 1955, he moved back to Pinewood and started a logging business. He was still cutting stove wood a couple of weeks before his passing. Don would have been a Fire Warden for 56 years this year and he had served as a constable for Buzzle Twp. in the 1970’s. For decades, Don planted tree seedlings in the spring for The Land Dept. Forestry Management, Beltrami County.

Don enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and growing a garden, especially potatoes. He loved spending time with his kids and grand kids. He also enjoyed spending time outside.

Don is survived by his wife, Joyce, daughters: Donna (Jeff) Jerman, Cambridge, WI, Annette (Dale) Gray, Leonard, MN, and Tammy (Justin) Carver, Bagley, MN. Grandchildren: Jason (Jacque) and Donald (Lynn) Jerman, Dean (Jennifer) and Kyle (Kalie) Gray, Austin and Logan Carver, Great grandchildren: Addie, Ella and Dallin Jerman, Kelli Jo, Bristol, Gage and Caliber Gray.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Hazel (Eiven) Rongstad, Jeanette (Clifford) Sellner and Shirley (Arnold) Tufte, brothers, Harry (Norma), Sewell “Bud” (Lola), Richard (Esther), Robert “Stubby” (Marlyce).

Graveside service will be held at 3:30 PM, October 19, 2024, at the Pinewood Dodge Cemetery in Pinewood, MN. Officiating the service is Pastor Marilyn Grandstrand of the Shepherd of the Pines Church, Solway, MN.

Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji, MN assisted the family.

www.OlsonSchwartzFuneralHome.com

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