ary for Pemstar. Don was a member of the Rochester Elks and the Rochester Eagles. He was a Mason at Rochester Masonic Lodge # 21, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and ultimately a Shriner with Osman Temple. Within the Rochester Area Shrine Club, he was involved with the Merry Medics where he became Donzi the Clown, much to the delight of many children, most especially his own grandchildren. He was the parade chair for 15 years, became the Merry Medic of the year in 1999 and Rochester Area Shrine Club Shriner of the year in 2004. He was a member of the Royal Order of Jesters Court 9 in St Paul. Don was also a member of the Rochester Area Corvette Enthusiasts Club (RACE) and enjoyed going on many of their runs. In his spare time Don loved to read, especially anything pertaining to history. He also enjoyed putting puzzles together as well as Sudoku. He loved to watch football, attend many social gatherings with friends, and get together with family especially when the grandchildren were there. Life was very good when he was driving his corvette, top down, smoking a cigar. Don is survived by his wife, Diane, and two sons, Jeff (Deb) Nelson of Rochester (children Tom, Jake, and Allison), and Erik (Sacha) Nelson also of Rochester (children Zach and Ty). He will be dearly missed by his family and his many friends. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 16, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church (810 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN, 55904). Visitation will be on Thursday September 15, 2022, from 4:30 - 6:30 PM at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Pl NW, Rochester, MN 55901) and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials suggested to Shriner's Hospitals for Children. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral home is honored to be serving the Nelson family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com