Dr. Donn E. Nelson

Dr. Donn Nelson, age 64 of Hastings, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at his home following a recent illness.Donn was born to Reverend Lester and Esther (Bergstrom) Nelson on August 2, 1951 in St. Louis Park, MN. Donn received a BA in psychology from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D in clinical psychology and MA in Theology from Fuller Seminary Graduate School of Psychology. Donn was united in marriage to Susan Tuura on December 20, 1975 in Cloquet, MN. He was employed as a risk assessor in the Risk Assessment/Community Notification Unit within the Minnesota Department of Corrections.He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Kaia Gene. Donn is survived by his wife, Susan; three sons, Dr. Chris (Dr. Jennifer) Nelson and their daughters Eva and Grace of Japan, Dr. Galen (Katie) Nelson and their daughters Chloe and Lauren of Omaha, and Rev. Zachary (D.M. Julia) Nelson of Traverse City, MI; brother, Reverend Dennis (Terry) Nelson of Scottsdale and sister, Audrey (Jack) Jensen of Wethersfield, CT.Donn was extremely proud of his family and thrilled to be the grandfather to five granddaughters. He deeply grieved the passing of his granddaughter Kaia Gene on March 14, and looked forward to watching over her in heaven.Memorial serviceswill be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 3, 2016 at St. Philip's Lutheran Church,1401 Fifteenth Street West in Hastings with Reverend Greg Geier officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church.Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services in Hastings.