One Nation, Under God

Donald "Donnie" Owen Nielson

MISSOULA/MALTA- Donald “Donnie” Owen Nielson, 58, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2014 in Malta, Montana at the Hi Line Retirement Center. He was surrounded by his friends and loved ones from Malta Opportunities, Incorporated (MOI).

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, October 8 at the Kirkwood Funeral Home, 202 South Second Street East, Malta. Pastor Kent Gordon did the officiating. A reception was held immediately following the service at Stretch’s Restaurant. A private burial will be held at the Missoula City Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Malta Opportunities, P.O. Box 1400 Malta Mt. 59538. Donnie’s family is eternally grateful for all the love and care from the staff, past and present, at Malta Opportunities. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhoma.com.

Donnie was born September 17, 1956 in Missoula, Montana, the third of four children born to Owen Thomas Nielson and Virginia Butler Nielson. As a child, Donnie resided at Warm Springs State Hospital and later moved to the Boulder River School and Hospital (now known as Montana Developmental Center). When Donnie was in his late 20s, he had the good fortune to move to Malta, where he became one of that little town’s favorite characters. He was well known for waving his hankie and smiling at everyone he saw. Donnie worked in the activity cen-ter for the next 30 years and lived in the group home.

His room was decorated with posters of his favorite NASCAR racer, #24 Jeff Gordon. Donnie loved to swim and could spend hours sitting in the sun soaking up the rays. He was a gentle soul who captured the hearts of all who knew him.

Donnie is survived by his sisters, Bonnie Lucier Harlan and Lori Durrin Lundberg (Wayne) both from Missoula, and his brother, Rocky Nielson (Cheryl) of San Tan Valley, Arizona. He has many nieces, nephews, cousins and his family at MOI.

 

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