Donald “Donnie” Eugene Nelson, 67, of Redfield, SD, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. His funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield, SD, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, with Pastor Melissa Rowenhorst officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery with military honors. The funeral service will be live-streamed with a link on the funeral home’s website below Donnie’s obituary. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

Donnie was born in Redfield, SD, on July 3, 1957, to Bernard and Ruth (Johnson) Nelson. He was the eighth out of eleven children and grew up on the family farm. He started work on the farm early and earned the nickname of “Sledge” by the time he was two. He was a member of 4-H and Future Farmers of America. Donnie had a fascination with early space travel and continued that interest throughout his lifetime.

Donnie graduated from Redfield High School in 1975, and joined the Navy soon after graduating. He was trained in aircraft diesel mechanics and was proud when he diagnosed and repaired planes, ultimately preventing injuries for which he received a Navy Commendation Medal. He served on the United States Navy Ship John Glenn and fulfilled a dream (of this famous astronaut). Upon discharge from the Navy, Donnie returned to Redfield. He attended Lake Area Technical College, studying Agri-Business.

He continued to help his father and brothers on the farm. In 1983, he had a daughter, Julie; she was the joy of his life. He lovingly helped care for her during her first few years. Donnie remained in South Dakota throughout his life, living in Sturgis, Tulare, Redfield, and Watertown. He did make it to see a Space Shuttle launch during his travels in the south.

Later in life, he bought an RV and traveled to Mesa, AZ, for the winters to live near his sister Debbie (Dennis) Harmening. He was a proud member of Veterans Associations. He was a dedicated Vikings fan and often wore purple. Donnie had a gentle soul and kind heart and he will be missed very much.

Donnie is survived by his daughter, Julie (Gary) Dubbin and four grandchildren: Josie, Brayden, Anna, Dylan of Rice, MN. He is also survived by six siblings: Linda Nelson, Wilbur (Jannelle) Nelson, David Nelson, Susan (Marty) Warns, Steven (Donita) Nelson, and Mary (Bruno) Himmler; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Richard Nelson, James Nelson, Deborah Harmening and Karen Swindler.