Donald 'Donnie' G. Nelson, 67

Donald "Donnie" G. Nelson 67, of Havre, a truck driver and longtime employee of Baltrusch Construction, died peacefully Monday evening, April 24, 2006, at Northern Montana Care Center.

Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook.

He was born April 12, 1939, in Thief River Falls, Minn., to Clarence and Adeline (Nordrum) Nelson. He attended school there and located to Havre with his family when he was in his teens.

He was employed as a carpet layer for Valley Furniture, and was a truck driver for Baltrusch Construction and Merle Fraser Trucking in Great Falls, and again at Baltrusch Construction until declining health forced his retirement.

He enjoyed his years on a motorcycle, climbing hills with the guys, behind the wheel of a truck, Chinese food, time with family and friends, he liked a drink or two, a good joke, telling stories and cruising around.

His father and a brother, Ralph Nelson, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his mother, Adeline Nelson, now residing in Great Falls; daughter, Bonita, and Larry Price, of Sparks, Nev.; sisters, Janice McGiboney of Great Falls, and Linda and Bill Arlint of Kalispell; cousins, nieces, nephews, and longtime friends, Wayne and Sharon Nold of Havre, and Merle and Karie Fraser of Great Falls.

At his request, cremation has taken place with a private family burial at the Highland Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends is being planned in celebration of Donnie's life at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, at the Havre VFW Club.