Donald Nesheim

Donald (Don) Julian Nesheim peacefully entered into heaven on Wednesday September 17, 2014 at the age of 83 surrounded by loved ones.

The visitation will be held at St. Peter Funeral Home, 906 North Washington Avenue in St. Peter, Minnesota on Sunday September 21st, 2014 from 2:00-5:00 with a sharing of memories at 4:30.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday September 22, 2014, with a visitation being held one hour before. The service will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church, 511 South 5th Street in St. Peter Minnesota. A service of Christian Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in St. Peter with a reception at the church following the burial.

Don is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, his older sister, Miriam Nesheim, older brother, Norwin "Bud" Nesheim, grandson, Adam Nesheim and nephew Jeremiah Dosser.

Don was grateful for having shared his life with his wife of 59 years, Ione Dosser. They were married at Faith Lutheran Church of Black Hammer, Spring Grove, Minnesota on June 25th, 1955.

Don is lovingly remembered by his 4 children, son, Greg Nesheim (Susan) of Eagan, Minnesota; and daughters Debra Stoll (Michael) of Worthington, Minnesota; Kathleen Nesheim-Larson (Karl) of St. Peter, Minnesota and Julie Hohenstein (Bill) of South Haven, Minnesota.

Don is adoringly remembered by his grandchildren, Steven Stoll (Anna), Andrew Stoll, Sarah Westby (Lucas), Nathaniel Stoll, Kyle Nesheim (Brittany), Danielle Larson, Brianna Hohenstein, Leah Nesheim, Kendra Hohenstein, Evan Larson, Alex Hohenstein, Maggie Hohenstein, Brenden Larson and his great grandchildren, Keaten Stoll, Gabriella Stoll and Addilyn Westby. Don is also remembered by his two older sisters, Eleanor and Lois, and his younger brother, Rollie (Kathy) and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Don was born in Spring Grove, Minnesota on March 5th, 1931 to Nels and Sarah (Bidne) Nesheim. He graduated from Spring Grove High School in 1950. Don began his college career in the fall of 1952 at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. After a semester, Don voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army on January 15th, 1952. Corporal Don then served in the Korean War in 1952 and 1953 in the artillery and received a national defense service medal. When Don returned from the war he went back to Luther College and in 1957 he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies, Physical Education and Coaching.

Don began his career in Rushford, Minnesota as an athletic director, head football coach and head basketball coach. After two years in Rushford he then moved his family to St. Peter, Minnesota and worked for 30 years in the St. Peter Public School system teaching social studies and physical education and the last 18 years as the Athletic Director. Don was also part of the coaching staff, with 5 years being 9th grade basketball coach, 15 years as assistant football coach, 17 years as a baseball coach of which 10 of those were as the head coach. Don was also the executive secretary of the South Central Conference for 12 years.

Don received many awards and recognitions over the years for his athleticism and his dedication to high school sports and activities. He was named All State in Football in 1949 and was named Minnesota Sports Champion in 1958. Don was inducted into the Luther College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1975. Later on in his career, Don was named Region 4A Athletic Director of the year (1988-89). In 2004 he was inducted into the Athletic Administrators Hall of Fame along with an induction into the State Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Years after retirement, in 2010, Don was initiated into the St. Peter High School Hall of Fame.

Don loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed football, baseball and all sport activities, and he especially looked forward to time fishing in his boat. Don spent many hours watching his grandchildren play in various sports and activities, and also enjoyed talking about his grandchildren to anyone who would listen. Don also looked forward to morning coffee with his teacher friends and their monthly dinners at Whiskey River with the supper group.

The family would like to thank those friends, family, doctors, nurses and all other individuals who provided care and support to Donald and his family over the last few years. Your friendships, service and dedication have been greatly appreciated.