Donald D. Nielsen

Donald D. Nielsen

1937 – 2024

OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - Donald Dean Nielsen, 86, passed away peacefully on Aug. 6, 2024, at Tri City Hospital in Oceanside California.

Donald Dean Nielsen was born Sept. 9, 1937, to Thorvald and Helma (Albertsen) Nielsen. He grew up in Ida County and graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1956. After graduation, Don enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After serving for 20 years, he was honorably discharged in 1976. At that time, Don moved back to Ida Grove. Several terribly humid summers and bitterly cold winters later, he decided to return to his favorite and always pleasant climate of Oceanside, California.

Don loved the Iowa Hawkeyes. In fact, he couldn’t have been prouder of the women's basketball team recently. Don could always be found in front of a TV watching any and all college sports, walking on the Oceanside Pier, or strolling down the street on his scooter for a cold beer at Hello Betty.

Don is preceded in death by his parents Helma and Thorvald Nielsen; twin brother Ronald Nielsen; brother Roy Nielsen and his wife Viola Nielsen; and sister-in-law Rose Nielsen. Those left to cherish his memory include his brother Melvin Nielsen; sister-in-law Janet Nielsen; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Per Don’s wishes, his ashes will be spread at sea. No other services are planned.