Donald R., age 75, of Burnsville, MN passed away after a short illness. Preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Estella Nelson. Survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Phyllis; children, Cynthia Nelson, Sylvia (Jim Wenzel) Nelson, Patricia (Howard) Nelson-Chetek, and Douglas (Jenny) Nelson; 7 grandchildren, Nicholas, Britany and Benjamin Nelson, Melissa and Laura Wenzel, Samantha and Carissa Chetek; sister, Jane (Bob) Pillow; nephews and friends. Don was born in Floydada, TX and graduated from Petersburg, TX high school, then served in the US Air Force. He graduated from the University of Texas El Paso with a BS in Physics and worked as an engineer from 1958 to 1971. Don then spent 35 years working in residential real estate sales in Minnesota. There will be a Celebration of Don’s life with family and friends on Friday, February 8th from 5 to 7 PM in Henry W Anderson Mortuary, 147th and Garrett Ave, Apple Valley, MN. There will be a private family interment in Fort Snelling at a later date