November 3, 2021

Donald Anton Nellen, 75, of Mankato, died Wednesday, November 3, 2021.

A celebration of Donald’s life was held at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary in North Mankato.

After growing up and graduating high school in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Don enlisted in the Air Force, spending one year in several locations in Turkey, as well as Chandler, Minn., where he met his wife of 52 years, Karen. He was honorably discharged from the USAF on his birthday, September 25, of 1972.

Don worked on several construction projects around Chandler until attending Canby Area Vocational Technical School from 1973 until 1975. He worked in various lumberyard management positions, spanning four decades and three states.

Don loved the lumber industry and helping others with their projects. He easily made friends in every community and making sawdust with them! He also loved riding his motorcycle and exploring new places. Don always had a story and a smile, and his laughter was contagious.

In 2009, Don went back to school, attending a diesel driving school in Sun Prairie, which started his next career driving a bus for St. Croix Casino in Turtle Lake. He particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people, swapping stories while driving. He retired in 2015.

In April of 2021, Don and Karen moved to Willow Brook Co-op in Mankato, Minnesota.

Don is survived by his wife, Karen Nellen; son, Aaren (Angie); daughter, Janel; sister, Nancy (Gene) Kleinert; grandchildren, Shelby and Wyatt Nellen and Locke Pfannebecker; as well as nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Leonard and MaryAnn Nellen; and his siblings, Herman Nellen, Francis Nellen, and RuthAnn Rowell.

Don chose to be an organ donor, making his final act a characteristically kind and selfless one.