Donna B. Nelsen

Donna Belle Nelsen was born in Crawford County Iowa, on a farm south of Charter Oak on May 28, 1930. Donna died at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital on February 20, 2017. Donna’s parents were Walter and Mattie Mesenbrink. Donna was the third youngest of four children. Donna was baptized on June 29, 1930 at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, IA. She attended country school until 2nd grade and then graduated from St. John’s Lutheran school in the 8th grade where she was also confirmed. Donna graduated from Denison High School in 1948. She continued her education at Stewart’s Cosmetology in Sioux City, Iowa and graduated in 1976.
Donna taught Country School in Charter Oak for three years. She was homemaker, an owner and property manager of several properties. She worked at Farmland Foods for several years. After moving her five children from Ohio to Iowa, she realized her dream, when she opened Donna’s Beauty Shop. She operated her business until retiring in 2005. Throughout her life she was a devoted mother and had a strong work ethic.
Donna enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and Christian Women’s Club. She attended Bible studies and enjoyed having coffee with her cousins. Donna loved her dogs, Cotton and Baby.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, LuVerne and Delores, and one brother, Galen. She is survived by her children: Janet, Diane (Steve), Carol, Linda, Steven, and Aunt, Vera. She has 15 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.