Donald L. Nielsen, age 86, of Cambridge died April 11, 2017 at GracePointe Crossing Gables West. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 17th at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel with visiting time 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Strike Cemetery.
Donald Lee Nielsen was born January 14, 1931 in Exira, Iowa to Chris and Helen (Torp) Nielsen. He grew up and attended school in Lincoln County, Wisconsin. Donald also served in the National Guard in Wisconsin before moving to Minnesota. On December 4, 1954 he married Mabel Leigh in South St. Paul. They made their home in St. Paul before moving to the Coon Rapids/Fridley area where they raised their three children. Donald and Mabel moved to Mora and also lived in Brunswick before moving to Cambridge in 2000.
Donald worked as a machinist for many years. He was a very talented woodworker and self-taught carpenter. Donald made a merry-go-round and a tree house for his kids; he also built and remodeled their homes over the years. Donald liked working on puzzles, even when his eye sight was nearly gone. He enjoyed time visiting with family and going out to eat with friends and family at Perkins.
Donald died April 11, 2017 at GracePointe Crossing Gables West at the age of 86 years, 2 months and 28 days. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel in 2013; and by two sisters, Lee and Linda.
Donald is survived by two sons, Ron Nielsen of Ramsey, Jeff (Kathleen) Nielsen of Austin, Minnesota; one daughter, Shelia (Ted) DeSantell of Coon Rapids; one grandson, Joshua; one brother, Vernon (Janet); and one sister, Verla.
Don was such a good friend and neighbor. He will be missed. Rest in peace Don.
Donny was such a good friend. He will be missed by all the lives he touched. He is now in a better place and happy with his beloved Mabel.
My dad was a very kind and gentle man. I will miss him and love him forever.
Don was an Amazing man!! I was always impressed with the remodeling, fixit stuff he was doing and always had a puzzle on some table to keep him busy . Don may not of had a PHD but he was one of the smartest men I’ve ever known…. I will miss our talks and time together …. I’m sure he’s remodeling heaven as we speak. R.I.P. Don and say hi to Mable for me!!!
My dad , was the most honest man you would be proud to know. He would do what ever he could to help you or anyone he could. You would be very lucky if you had the chance to meet my father he was one of a kind for sure. I will miss him forever! I love you dad and please hold mom tight forever and ever till I get to, see you both again.