Nelson, Donald Dean (September 3, 1927 - August 11, 2017) Donald Dean Nelson, born September 3, 1927 in Riley, Kansas passed away August 11, 2017. Don was in the Navy during WWII and Korean War serving aboard ships in the Pacific. He worked at commissaries in Topeka and Wichita, Kansas, and at the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, CO after it opened in 1954 until 1980. He retired in 1980 and moved to Rosemount, MN where he started a small in-home business making memory boxes that were shipped to gift stores in many states. He is preceded in death by his son, John Raymond Nelson; parents, Raymond and Esther Nelson; brother, Bob. Donald is survived by wife Marcia of 50 years, daughter, Jennifer (Chris) Johnson; grandchildren, Emma and Nora; sister Barbara Peters; and many other family and friends. A Memorial Service will be 5 PM Thursday, August 24, 2017 at Shepherd of the Valley Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd., Apple Valley, with visitation one hour prior to service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church or donor's choice. White Funeral Home Apple Valley 952-432-2001 whitefuneralhomes.com