Service Information
Donnabell M. Nelson, age 93, of Winthrop, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Ecumen Oaks in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Apostolic Christian Church in Winthrop, with interment in The Winthrop Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 10, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson and will continue one hour prior to the service at Apostolic Christian Church.
Funeral Service will be livestreamed via Zoom or call in (1-312-626-6799). Meeting ID 817 8849 7461 Passcode: 163952.
Obituary
Donnabell Mae Nelson was born on February 1, 1931, in New Ulm, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Fred and Freida (Pfister) Messner. Donnabell was baptized as an adult in her faith in October 1956. She was an excellent student, graduating from Gibbon High School in 1949. After high school, she continued her education at the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis.
On February 14, 1952, Donnabell was united in marriage to Alvin Nelson in Reno, Nevada. Their marriage was blessed with nine children: Susette, Candice, Lance, Holly, Jill, Scott, Garrett, Kyle, and her favorite, Shawn. Donnabell and Alvin resided in Crystal Lake, Illinois, until 1968, when they moved to Winthrop, Minnesota. They lived in Sibley County, where they farmed. Her vision for the farm extended beyond its beauty—she saw it as a legacy of love, perseverance, and hospitality. Donnabell and Alvin shared 47 years of marriage before Alvin's passing on September 28, 1999.
Donnabell’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She shared her love for Jesus with everyone she met, often reciting scriptures by heart and engaging in deep conversations about faith and politics. Donnabell spent her life as a giver, serving her family, others, and the church. She was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Winthrop.
She made an unforgettable impression on others with her feisty spirit, beginning with the story of her uniquely spelled name and her pride in having nine children. She truly was one of a kind!
As a grandmother, Donnabell was unmatched. She lovingly stitched up blankies, always had candy in the drawer, and kept a few dollar bills in her wallet for her grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s favorite memories are the time spent riding four wheelers, jumping on the trampoline, and even a few fireworks! She rarely said no to any fun fort they made or whatever crazy, adventurous ideas they came up with.
She cherished her life on the farm, a passion that began in her youth when she rode horses and did chores alongside her four siblings. Later, on her own farm, she poured her heart into tending a large garden, filling flowerpots around the home, canning fruits and vegetables, mowing the lawn, and sewing anything that came her way. Donnabell had a special place in her heart for wildlife, always making sure the cats, birds, and squirrels were fed and even trapping raccoons and skunks when needed. She embraced her role as a homemaker with unwavering dedication, always providing hot meals and clean clothes for her family.
Donnabell loved a great celebration, especially her birthdays. She was just one month shy of turning 94. Her competitive streak came alive in games like Chinese checkers, "Up and Down the River," and Uno. In her later years, she found immense joy in spending time at the lake, reflecting on her cherished travels to Israel, but most of all, she treasured being with her family, of whom she was incredibly proud. What a legacy she has left in each and every one of them.
The celebration continues as she enters Heaven, but her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Donnabell passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Ecumen Oaks in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 93 years and 11 months.
Blessed be her memory.
Donnabell is survived by her:
Children, Susette Leuthold and her husband, Jerry of Victoria, MN; Lance Nelson and his wife, Renee of Big Lake, MN; Holly Mogler of Elk River, MN; Jill Nelson of Ankeny, IA; Scott Nelson and his wife, Kristine of Andover, MN; Garrett Nelson and his wife, Dawn of Brooklyn Park, MN; Kyle Nelson and his wife, Tammy of Eden Prairie, MN; Shawn Nelson and his wife, Stephanie of Hutchinson, MN;
24 Grandchildren, Stacy (Mike) Helman, Sherri (Ken) Higdon, Quinn (Jen) Leuthold, Chet (Laura) Leuthold; Jeremy (Nycole) Pederson, Nichol Pederson, Jenna (Blake) Birdsall; Teresa (Charles) Brandenburg, April (Jon), Slipy, Justin Nelson; Morgan (Race) Stamper; Matthew (Felice) One, Jordan (Valerie) One; Sarah (Christopher) McKone, Grant Nelson; Tricia (James) Merkins, Leighton Nelson, Landon (Nicole) Nelson; Jake Nelson, Abigail Nelson, Isabella Nelson; Katie Nelson, Alex Nelson, Maggie Nelson;
31 Great-grandchildren, Alyssa Irish, Ethan & Will Gjetson; Graham, Ellanah & Boden Higdon; Hallie, Evan, Lauren & Dane Leuthold; Gavin, Rose & Sonya Leuthold; Emily (Cameron) Lawrence, Jack, Nate & Tommy Pederson; Aviana, Ezekiel, Hezekiah & Zacchaeus Birdsall; Chase & Ivy Brandenburg; Nicholas, Emily & Madison Slipy; Duke Stamper; Ethan & Natalie One; Brittney & Callie Jo Merkins;
Siblings, Marcelle Dapper of Silver Lake, Barbara Mattes of Hutchinson, Bill Messner of Gibbon;
Sister-in-law, Carol Ann Messner of Winthrop;
Many other relatives and friends.
Donnabell is preceded in death by her Parents, Fred and Freida Messner; Husband, Alvin Nelson; Daughter, Candice Pederson; Grandson, Luke Mogler; Brother, Dennis Messner; Son-in-law, Jay Mogler.
Karen Maiers says
Deepest sympathy to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dean & Diana says
Sending our sympathy and prayers
Tammy Paschke says
Sending my love and prayers to you Scott as you mourn the passing of your precious Mom.
Kathy Messerli says
Sending love and prayers to the Nelson family
Nancy Jacobsen says
Blessings for all the care you gave your mom in all ways. Much love, nancy
Darleen mcdurmont mcdurmont says
Thinking of the Nelson family for the lost of your mother.
Myrtle R Gieseke says
Sympathy to the Nelson family and Donnabell siblings. I knew Donnabell and her siblings for many years. My Dad, Carl Miller, worked for Her Dad Fritz When I was a little girl. Always called Fritz Uncle Fritz and Aunt Fredia.
Vern and Myrtle (Miller) Gieseke
Doug Schock says
Dear Nelson family,
Please accept our condolences for the loss of your mother. Mom’s are amazing. They teach us so much and bail us out of so many things!
I remember our families spending enjoyable times together, especially at the lake. Even tho yous left Elgin in 1968, I still found, or found out about several of you. Even with your Aunt Marcelle down in Phoenix.
May God bless your family, and carry on the love of Jesus that your Mom was addicted to.
Doug and Clara Schock
Jerry & Brenda Messner says
To the family of our dearest “Grandma Donnabell” – Praying for peace and comfort for each of you during this time. Donnabell was so special to us! We are rejoicing that she is now in the presence of her dear Savior – Jesus! Such a desire of her heart! We will miss her calls and her tenacity and passion of making sure everyone she came in contact with knew that Jesus was her Savior – and her desire that they would share the same. What a testimony – what a treasure to have known her and to be able to share in that joy that she carried with her! The empty seat in church beside me, not seeing her smiling face, or receiving her calls will be a constant reminder for us to keep striving to share the Gospel message with others, just as she did. She loved each and every one of you so much and talked about you all with loving fondness. May the legacy of her love for Christ continue on – as we know it is in your lives. With love and sympathy, Jerry & Brenda
Barbara Bussler Bumgardner says
Dear Nelson family,
We grew up in the same rural Winthrop neighborhood and my parents farmed right next to you. Donnabell was such a grand lady and memories of her antics, stories and sass will always make me smile when I think of her. She loved BIG and her legacy will on through all of you! I can only imagine the celebration going on with Jesus and all her loved ones right now. Our deepest sympathies from the Bussler Family.
Janet Klein says
Thinking of each of you children. I Worshipped in Winthrop for three years in the 70’s and have fond memories of your family. Your Mom loved everyone she met, but most of all, The Lord!
May you feel His Nearness and the comfort only He is able to give. Wish I could be with you in person at this time, but I hope to view her service.
Love, Janet Mogler Klein and my husband Otto Klein