Donald John Nelson

WALLACE TOWNSHIP – Donald John Nelson, age 23, of Wallace Township, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2018 with his loving family by his side.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. till service time beginning at noon on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Pastor William Chormann officiating.  Private burial will be held at Freedom Lutheran Cemetery.

Donnie was born November 21, 1994 in Peoria, the son of Gary and Kathy (Hill) Nelson.  He is survived by his parents of Wallace Township; sisters, Melissa Tennyson (Jay Matson) of Ottawa and Jessica (Ryan) Greaves of Algonquin; a niece, Lillie Tennyson; and nephews Jayden and Jacob Greaves.  He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Donald W. Nelson and his maternal grandparents, Robert and Betty Hill.

Donnie was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at age 8.  He graduated from Wallace Grade School and Ottawa Township High School.  His greatest passions were his writing, gaming, family, friends, niece, nephews, and his 4 loyal dogs that never left his side.  He also loved his home on the farm with all the animals.  Donnie authored a book as well as several short stories.  He was confined to a wheelchair for 14 years but never let it stop him from his life’s passions.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

To share a memory or light a candle, please visit www.gladfelterfuneralhome.com or Gladfelter Funeral Home on Facebook.