Donald Clark Nelson

Donald Clark Nelson, age 88 of Hastings, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026 at Bryan Medical Center West in Lincoln, Nebraska. He died of natural causes following a sudden illness.

Don was born February 13, 1938 in Minden to Denzil and Nola Nelson. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Campbell and graduated from Campbell High School in 1956. After earning his bachelor’s degree at Kearney State Teacher’s College, now known as the University of Nebraska Kearney, Don married his college sweetheart Muriel Jené Pierce. They lived and were school teachers in Hildreth and Wakefield eventually settling in Hastings where they raised a son and two daughters. 

Don was deeply committed to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who enabled him to be a devoted son, husband and father as well as a gifted athlete. A man of many talents, Don forged a successful, rewarding career as a teacher, coach, farmer and custom combine business owner. 

His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the lessons he taught and the values he lived. Don will be remembered for his faith, kindness, generosity and sense of humor. 

Don’s love of basketball inspired many victories on and off the court. From playing center on the Lopers college basketball team to coaching the Hastings Tigers to compete in both state and holiday tournaments, Don created a motivating environment while instilling a strong work ethic that brought out the best in each player. 

He also enjoyed serving at church, flying airplanes, fishing and hunting. Don could often be found with his loyal labrador retriever Rascal by his side, or sneaking extra treats to little Shih Tzu doggies Snickers and Ginger. 

After retiring from teaching, Don and Muriel moved to Chandler, Arizona and recently returned to live in Doniphan. 

Don is survived by his wife, Muriel; son David and daughter-in-law, Lori; daughters Shelley and Linda; grandchildren Derek, Hannah (Joe), Haleigh, Brittney (Cy), Dillon and Dalton; along with great grandchildren Emrys, Quinnly, Brynlee, Roy, Eloise and Sutton.

All are welcome to visit with the family beginning at 9:30 am just prior to the memorial service at 10:30 am on Wednesday, May 20 at Peace Lutheran Church, 906 N California Ave, Hastings, Nebr with Rev. Micah R. Gaunt officiating. Lunch will be provided in the Fellowship Hall immediately after the service. Burial will follow at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, 18260 W Sundown Rd, Holstein, Nebr. 

Memorial donations can be given to Peace Lutheran Church, peacelutheranhastings.org or Lutheran Hour Ministries, lhm.org.

Murray Wilson Funeral Directing is in charge of arrangements for the family.