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Donald Nelson Obituary
August 31, 2022
Tacoma, Washington - Donald (Don) G. Nelson, beloved son, brother & uncle, passed away on August 31, 2022 following an all too brief battle with lung cancer. Born in Tacoma, WA on September 13, 1956 to parents Maureen and Ernest (deceased) Nelson, Don graduated from Lincoln High School in 1975. He began laying floors with his father while still in school and continued in the trade for 30 plus years.
An avid sports fan, he played basketball and baseball in his youth and later in life, from his armchair, cheered on the former Sonics and his beloved Storm and Mariners teams. He was passionate about his golf game and was often found playing one of the local courses.
Don was a man of simple means and a kind heart, always ready to assist where help was needed. Known as "Nelly" to his many friends, he will be hugely missed by all who loved him.
In addition to his mother, Don is survived by sisters Diane (Greg) and Darci (Ted), nieces Kirsten and Austin (Coco), nephew Zach (Molly), and great-nephew Jensen.
An open house celebration of Don's life will be held from 1-4 pm on September 13th at Casa U Betcha, 4302 Pacific Ave, Tacoma.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Nelson
Sponsored by Klontz Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Auburn.
6 Entries
Pamela Soulier
September 24, 2022
Nelly, I wish we could have spent more time together. You have always been and will forever be in my heart. See you on the other side Nelson.
Mike Prichard
September 23, 2022
I just heard the news that Donnie passed away my condolences to the family and my prayers for Donnie I grew up across the street from Donny and remembered many days of playing basketball, Street football, riding bikes throughout neighborhoods, and just hanging out. I am sorry I will not be able to attend memorial but will be thinking of him that day.
I am going to miss Don snd will keep him in my prayers.
Sincerely
Mike Prichard
Cindy Lewis Hall
September 13, 2022
He was Joseph to my Mary when we were in Sunday school together at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church and the bond it created between us was everlasting. Over our school years we shared additional bonding moments. We were partners for our confirmation ceremony and again at high school graduation. I could always count on Don being a good sport, like being my date for Sadie Hawkins, and always making sure he saved a dance for me when we´d get together at parties in those early years. We even danced when he was in his "halo" for his broken neck at our five-year reunion. He told me my dancing with him made him feel less self conscious and freaky. I told him, even with his halo, he was still the best looking guy at the dance and we laughed and danced the night away.
My heart broke upon hearing the news of Don´s cancer. I called him and we spent the conversation reminiscing about all of our fun moments together and that he was at peace knowing his earthly time was coming to an end. I know I will join my "Joseph" on the other side and I will forever be his "Mary". Soul bonds can never be broken.
Rest In Peace my dearest friend until we meet again. Love, "your Mary" aka Cindy
Danny Baker
September 12, 2022
You will never be forgotten my dear old friend and brother . A lifetime of friendship and fun oh the stories we could tell lol . I will miss you my dear brother and our story telling of our journey in our life over 50 years . One for the road my brother until we meet again . Love you The Bake
Edvent Grinnell
September 11, 2022
Our family lived two house from Don & family on "A",Don was cool.
I wish I could have seen him in his grown up years I graduated in 1973 with his beautiful sister Diane of wish I had a secret crush on.
Don actually went to school with my brother (Michael).
A few years back I remember trying to locate Don to know avail.Don in this picture still looked like himself even with the mustard & beard.
R.I.P. cool Don and yes he could play some basketball we shot some hoops at his house and at the near by park...
Diane here is my contact info
310 408 2453
[email protected]
Condolences Don & family
Edvent(Ed)
Grinnell
Kim DeCato
September 11, 2022
Although it has been years since we have seen one another you will always remain a friend in my heart. RIP Nelly.
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Klontz Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Auburn410 Auburn Way N., Auburn, WA 98002
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