A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Donavan Nelson, age 85, of Windom, will be held Saturday, October 19th at Noon, with a time of visitation and gathering held for one hour prior to the service, from 11:00 to Noon, at the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Windom. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post #206 of Windom. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Windom.
Donavan Wayne Nelson was born on November 17, 1938, to Wallace and Adeline (Elg) Nelson of Comfrey, Minnesota. He attended school in Comfrey, and at the age of 16 Donavan left school to get a full-time job and eventually enlisted in the United States Marines for four years.
In 1960, Donavan met Elsie Mae Wolle at Butterfield Produce. Donavan and Elsie went on to have four children: Sandie, Carla, Debbie and Brian. Donavan worked for Chicago Northwestern Railroad, where he was employed for over 20 years. Due to an injury, Donavan left the railroad and spent his retirement years motorcycling, working on house projects, spending time at his river place and enjoying the company of his children and grandchildren.
Donavan celebrated 30 years of sobriety this past May. He was dedicated to his AA family and enjoyed attending meetings and helping members reach their sobriety goals.
On Saturday, October 5th, Donavan surrendered, after a well-fought battle with cancer, surrounded by family at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington.
He is survived by his children, Sandie Fitzgerald, Carla Durand, Debbie (Scott) Westmoe, and Brian (Brad) Helms; grandchildren, Patrick, Jon, Jack, Ryan and Ashley; siblings, Gary (Jolene) Nelson and Lynda Arduser; several nieces, nephews and friends; and his beloved dog, Boris.
Donavan was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Adeline, and brothers, Gordan and Jimmy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Donavan’s memory to Sunset Hospice Cottage, P.O. Box 203, Worthington, MN 56187 (please add Donavan Nelson in the memo). Condolences and memories of Donavan may be sent online to www.lacannefuneralhome.com.
