Donnabell M. Nelson, 93, of Winthrop passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Ecumen Oaks in Hutchinson. Funeral Service was held Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11 a,n. at Apostolic Christian Church in Winthrop with interment in The Winthrop Cemetery.
 Clergy Officiating: Apostolic Christian Ministers; Casket Bearers: Jake Nelson, Alex Nelson, Grant Nelson, Landon Nelson, Matthew One, Jeremy Pederson
 Donnabell Mae Nelson was born on February 1, 1931, in New Ulm. She was the daughter of Fred and Freida (Pfister) Messner. Donnabell was baptized as an adult in her faith in October 1956. She was an excellent student, graduating from Gibbon High School in 1949. After high school, she continued her education at Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis.
 On February 14, 1952, Donnabell was united in marriage to Alvin Nelson in Reno, Nev. Their marriage was blessed with nine children: Susette, Candice, Lance, Holly, Jill, Scott, Garrett, Kyle, and her favorite, Shawn. Donnabell and Alvin resided in Crystal Lake, Ill., until 1968, when they moved to Winthrop. They lived in Sibley County, where they farmed. Her vision for the farm extended beyond its beauty – she saw it as a legacy of love, perseverance, and hospitality. Donnabell and Alvin shared 47 years of marriage before Alvin’s passing on September 28, 1999.
 Donnabell’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She shared her love for Jesus with everyone she met, often reciting scriptures by heart and engaging in deep conversations about faith and politics. Donnabell spent her life as a giver, serving her family, others, and the church. She was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Winthrop.
 She made an unforgettable impression on others with her feisty spirit, beginning with the story of her uniquely spelled name and her pride in having nine children. She truly was one of a kind!
 As a grandmother, Donnabell was unmatched. She lovingly stitched up blankies, always had candy in the drawer, and kept a few dollar bills in her wallet for her grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s favorite memories are the time spent riding four wheelers, jumping on the trampoline, and even a few fireworks! She rarely said no to any fun fort they made or whatever crazy, adventurous ideas they came up with.
 She cherished her life on the farm, a passion that began in her youth when she rode horses and did chores alongside her four siblings. Later, on her own farm, she poured her heart into tending a large garden, filling flowerpots around the home, canning fruits and vegetables, mowing the lawn, and sewing anything that came her way. Donnabell had a special place in her heart for wildlife, always making sure the cats, birds, and squirrels were fed and even trapping raccoons and skunks when needed. She embraced her role as a homemaker with unwavering dedication, always providing hot meals and clean clothes for her family.
 Donnabell loved a great celebration, especially her birthdays. She was just one month shy of turning 94. Her competitive streak came alive in games like Chinese checkers, “Up and Down the River,” and Uno. In her later years, she found immense joy in spending time at the lake, reflecting on her cherished travels to Israel, but most of all, she treasured being with her family, of whom she was incredibly proud. What a legacy she has left in each and every one of them.
 The celebration continues as she enters Heaven, but her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
 Blessed be her memory.
 Donnabell is survived by her children, Susette Leuthold and her husband Jerry of Victoria; Lance Nelson and his wife Renee of Big Lake; Holly Mogler of Elk River; Jill Nelson of Ankeny, Iowa; Scott Nelson and his wife Kristine of Andover; Garrett Nelson and his wife Dawn of Brooklyn Park; Kyle Nelson and his wife Tammy of Eden Prairie; Shawn Nelson and his wife Stephanie of Hutchinson; 24 grandchildren, Stacy (Mike) Helman, Sherri (Ken) Higdon, Quinn (Jen) Leuthold, Chet (Laura) Leuthold; Jeremy (Nycole) Pederson, Nichol Pederson, Jenna (Blake) Birdsall; Teresa (Charles) Brandenburg, April (Jon), Slipy, Justin Nelson; Morgan (Race) Stamper; Matthew (Felice) One, Jordan (Valerie) One; Sarah (Christopher) McKone, Grant Nelson; Tricia (James) Merkins, Leighton Nelson, Landon (Nicole) Nelson; Jake Nelson, Abigail Nelson, Isabella Nelson; Katie Nelson, Alex Nelson, Maggie Nelson; 31 great-grandchildren, Alyssa Irish, Ethan and Will Gjetson; Graham, Ellanah and Boden Higdon; Hallie, Evan, Lauren and Dane Leuthold; Gavin, Rose and Sonya Leuthold; Emily (Cameron) Lawrence, Jack, Nate and Tommy Pederson; Aviana, Ezekiel, Hezekiah and Zacchaeus Birdsall; Chase and Ivy Brandenburg; Nicholas, Emily and Madison Slipy; Duke Stamper; Ethan and Natalie One; Brittney and Callie Jo Merkins; siblings, Marcelle Dapper of Silver Lake, Barbara Mattes of Hutchinson, Bill Messner of Gibbon; sister-in-law, Carol Ann Messner of Winthrop; many other relatives and friends.
 Donnabell is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Freida Messner; husband, Alvin Nelson; daughter, Candice Pederson; grandson, Luke Mogler; brother, Dennis Messner; son-in-law, Jay Mogler.
 Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available at www.hantge.com.