Donald A. Nelson, age 91, died March 3, 2026, in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Don was born in the spring of 1934, in Rockwell, Iowa, to John and Nellie (Way) Nelson. On October 23, 1969, he married Carol Thomas, who became not only his wife, but his closest companion, hand-holder, and best friend.

Don and Carol were the proud parents of Chris and Cathy, and later warmly welcomed their daughter-in-law Julie and son-in-law Mike into the family. Their grandchildren meant the world to them: Erald Weigand, Bea Weigand, Mel Weigand, Kaia (husband Kyle) Mersinger, and John Weigand. Don delighted in watching them grow and was deeply proud of each of them. He knew them well and loved seeing who they were becoming.

Don died less than a month before his 92nd birthday and almost seven months after Carol’s death. Though he had always been an energizer bunny, health challenges and the deep grief of losing Carol were simply too much for even his determined spirit.

Don spent 25 years in education, teaching business first at the high school level, then junior high, and later at the Area 1 Vocational Technical School in Calmar, Iowa. He believed deeply in the power of learning to shape lives and open doors. Over the years he perfected a stern “teacher look,” which he used well beyond the classroom. If you ever received that look… you know.

During one summer break from teaching, he had the opportunity to try something different. He worked at Calmar Manufacturing Company for the summer, returned to teaching for another year, and then began a new career as an estimator, preparing bids for cabinets and fixtures for schools, hospitals, and other facilities. Many people have likely sat at desks, tables, and counters his company helped create—quiet reminders of the work of his hands and mind.

A lifelong learner, Don loved books and ideas. It was not uncommon for him to be reading four or five books at once, exploring subjects ranging from education and health care systems, to theology and social justice. He completed everything required for a doctoral degree except the dissertation—something his mother reportedly had a few opinions about.

During his time in Waupaca, he volunteered in a fourth-grade classroom, working with small groups on critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork. At the end of each group rotation he would exclaim, “That was the best group of kids, ever!”—only to say it again for the next group. His curiosity never faded, and even in later years he remained eager for thoughtful conversation about the world and how it might become more loving, just, and inclusive.

Faith and community were central threads throughout Don’s life. At Calmar Community United Methodist Church, he served as one of the church pianists, participated in many committees, and led the youth group. Later, at First United Methodist Church in Waupaca and Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church in Oshkosh, he taught adult education classes, sharing his love of learning, his faith, and his belief that understanding one another makes the world better. He only stepped away from teaching this past year.

Beyond the church, he also served as a school board member in the South Winneshiek School District and on the Winneshiek County Hospital Board in Decorah. Wherever he lived, he gave his time generously and quietly supported the work of many organizations.

He was a passionate activist for justice. He welcomed and loved the LGBTQ+ community before that term was coined, and learned to do the work of being an anti-racist in recent years.

Don treasured the simple joys of life and family. Growing up and raising a family in small-town Iowa created space for countless adventures: playing catch in the front yard, camping trips, hiking, canoeing, fishing, building a backyard pond, gardening, traveling to National Parks, and exploring the countryside together. He loved the symphony, the ballet, and the theater. When great music was playing, his hands were always conducting. When traveling, Don saw hints of blue sky even on the darkest days. “I see a little patch of blue!” He believed in giving his children the experiences, tools, and freedom to discover the world—and trusted them to find their way.

Don will be remembered as a creative teacher, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a man deeply committed to learning, justice, faith, and community. His life was marked by curiosity, kindness, and laughter—

and by a steady commitment to making the world a better place.

Join Don’s family and friends in a celebration of his life on Tuesday, March 17, at First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI. Visitation at 1:00 p.m., service at 2:00 p.m., with ice cream (his favorite!) to follow. The service will be live streamed at https://fumc.org/memorial

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of his favorite charities or one of your own.

The Lift Garage — https://www.theliftgarage.org/

National Parks Conservation Association — https://www.nationalparks.org/

ACLU of Wisconsin — https://www.aclu.org/affiliates/wisconsin

Wisconsin Council of Churches — https://www.wichurches.org/donate