Donavon Gene Nasstrom

Donavon Gene Nasstrom was born on a snowy January 28, 1946, in the warmth of his family’s farm home, the beloved son of Eugene and Theresie (Haatvedt) Nasstrom. He was baptized and confirmed at Lands Lutheran Church in Hoffman, marking the beginning of a life intertwined with faith and community.

Growing up in rural Hoffman, Don was an active student, demonstrating his passion for sports as a high school wrestler and football player. In 1964, he earned the honor of being named All-Conference Center, showcasing not only his athletic ability but his dedication and spirit. Music was also a significant part of his life; he played the trombone in the school band and sang in both church and school choirs.

Donavon served his country with pride in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967, spending three years stationed in Germany where he drove trucks delivering classified ammunition. His commitment to service continued even after his military career.

On September 2, 1967, Don married his high school sweetheart, Janice Vestrum. Their journey together began in Alexandria, MN, where Don pursued education at Alexandria Vocational Technical College, graduating in sales and marketing. His professional path largely revolved around sales, starting with Williams Steel and Hardware in Minneapolis before transitioning to a sales route in Montevideo, MN, and later making Barnesville, MN, their cherished home in 1977.

For 48 years, Don was an active member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, taking on roles as a board member and youth leader. His commitment to serving others extended beyond the church; he was a devoted Boy Scout leader, a proud member of the Lions Club, American Legion, and VFW, and served on various community committees, helping to organize Barnesville’s inaugural Showcase, and served on the Clay County Fair Board for 16 years. His devotion was recognized when he was inducted into the Clay County Fair Board Hall of Fame in 2025, reflecting his lasting impact on the community.

A true sports aficionado, Don loved watching games on television, never missing the opportunity to support his children and grandchildren at their events. Family was the cornerstone of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them. Together with Jan, he delighted in traveling and creating memories with family and friends, making countless trips to Mission, Texas, over the winters.

Donavon’s legacy of love, service, and community spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him. His journey was marked by deep connections, laughter, and an enduring commitment to those he cared about most. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by all whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife Jan, Barnesville, MN; three children: Jeff (Angela) Nasstrom, Osage, IA, Jennie(Darrin) Groah, West Fargo, ND, Joel (Andrea) Nasstrom, Minneapolis, MN; nine grandchildren: Lauren, Erica, Bailey, and Carson Nasstrom, Morgan (Canin) Moore, Dani, and Gabi Bigalke, Jaden and Austin Nasstrom; great grandson Calvin Moore; one sister: Ione (Gary) Bruns; brother in law Elroy Frank; sisters in law JoAnn (Les) Halverson, Bonnie (Gary) Gulbranson; and brother in law Harley (Jeannie) Vestrum; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, sister Loiann Frank, nephew Bradley Bruns, and his parents in law Henry and Hazel Vestrum.

Don died on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at St. Catherine’s Nursing Home in Fargo, ND, under the care of Hospice.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 3, 2025, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Barnesville, MN with Rev. Ali Haugerud officiating. Burial will be in the City Cemetery, Barnesville, MN with Military Honors provided by the Honor Guard of the American Legion and VFW posts of Barnesville, and the Minnesota National Guard Honor Squad.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the funeral service.

Korsmo Funeral Service is guiding the family with their arrangements and online memories and condolences may be shared at www.KorsmoFuneralService.com