Donald Nelson

He was the loving husband for 62 years of Joan (née Arneson); devoted father of Steven (Karen), David, Douglas (Peggy Sue) and Lynn Pajak (Mike); cherished grandfather of Sarah Burney (Jeff), Brad (Jaclyn), Jaclyn Hafner, Marcus, Kassie, and Robert Hafner, Tyler, Daniel, Maura, and Ethan Cayton and Emma Kotila (Ryan); proud great-grandfather of Hunter Donald Burney; brother-in-law of Howard and Bette Jensen; and wonderful uncle and great-uncle to many.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret (née Davis) and Herbert Nelson; sister, Marilyn Ressmeyer (Paul); father-in-law and mother-in-law, Martin and Alma Arneson; brother-in-law, Wallace Arneson; and daughter-in-law, Lori Spence Nelson. Donald was born on Jan. 19, 1927, in Pipestone, Minn.

Upon graduation from high school, Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1951 with a degree in mining engineering. Soon after graduating from college, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War.

Once stateside, Don enjoyed a successful career with the Hanna Mining Co. spanning 33 years. He managed mining operations in Minnesota; Capreol, Ontario, Canada; and Upper Michigan. Don transferred to Cleveland where he was promoted to vice president of international operations, with the majority of his duties in Brazil and Columbia.

Don, a lifelong learner, enhanced his career by attending the Columbia University International Business School. Despite his demanding job, Don found time to be actively involved with his church and community.

Upon retirement in 1988, Don lived a fulfilling life. He enjoyed spending time boating, traveling and playing golf.

Don was an avid reader and wintered in Orlando, Fla. Most of all, Don adored spending time with his family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 27993 Detroit Road, Westlake, Ohio, 44145.

Memorials may be made in Donald’s name to Ames Family Hospice House (Hospice of the Western Reserve), 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44110; or to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://act.alz.org/goto/donaldknelson or P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090.

Arrangements by Chambers Funeral Home of North Olmsted — www.chambersfuneral.com.