Donald Alan Nelson, 82, of Yuma, Arizona, formerly of Bridgeport, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 5, 2018 at Life Care Center in Yuma, Arizona. His Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport with Elder Darren Emerick officiating. Inurnment will follow the service at the Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Don’s name to the First Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport or the Presbyterian Church in Yuma and sent to the family. Online condolences may be left by visiting Don’s Tribute Page at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel.com
Don was born Jun 14, 1935 at Kimball, Nebraska to Robert Peter and Alby Rose (Kubes) Nelson. He received his education in the Redington area, graduating from Bridgeport High School with the Class of 1954. On August 21, 1955, Don married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Lindsay, at the First Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport. The couple farmed and ranched in the Redington area until 1974 when they moved to the Goshen Hole Community near Yoder, Wyoming. They farmed and ranched until retiring in 1999 and moving back to his home town of Bridgeport. Don enjoyed working with his livestock. Unable to totally retire, Don worked for his good friend, Connie Lapaseotes for several years.
Don and Gloria were ‘snow birds’ from 1999-2016 when they became year round residents at Yuma, AZ. Don was a member of the Presbyterian Church in the communities they lived in. Don’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were very important to him. Don was able to enjoy several memorable trips: In 2005, Don and Gloria celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a two week trip to Hawaii with Terri and Randy. Don enjoyed a trip with his pastor to St. Louis, MO to attend a Willie Nelson Farm Aid Concert. He enjoyed the Billy Graham Crusade he attended in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He enjoyed playing desert golf in Arizona, fishing with his buddy at Lake McConaughy, and taking long drives to enjoy Mother Nature.
Don is survived by Gloria, his loving wife of 62 years; daughter and son-in-law Terri and Randy Faessler of Sidney, NE; son Mark Nelson; granddaughter Monica (Matt) Monheiser and children Alec Maddox and Ben and Sarah Monheiser; granddaughter Stacie Faessler (Walter Fischer) and children Carson Faessler and her son Kareem Ridgeway, Brett McConnell, and Gage Yoder; grandson John (Kelly) Faessler and children Paige Maddox, and Myles and Lennon Faessler; granddaughter Jaime Smircich (Rick Heckenlively) and children Grant Smircich, and Wyatt and Reagan Heckenlively; brothers Barton (Arleen) Nelson of Greeley, CO, Jerry (Linda) Nelson of Kearney, NE, and Ward (Barb) Nelson of Estes Park, CO; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Roger and Coly, and great-grandson Colton Faessler.
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