Daniel Allen Nelson

Daniel Allen Nelson, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, in North Mankato, Minnesota, at the age of 54 of natural causes.

Born on October 13, 1970 in St James, MN, Dan was the son of Russell and Judy Nelson. He was baptised and confirmed at First Lutheran Church, St James. He was raised in St James alongside his older sister, Jennifer. He graduated from St James High School in 1989 and proudly served his country in the Minnesota Army National Guard from November 9, 1990 to November 8, 1998.

On May 6, 1995, Dan married Heidi Lyn Halverson at Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato MN. Together they built a beautiful life in St James and North Mankato and raised three children, Morgan Kathleen, Christopher Carl and Kaden Daniel and a fur baby Scout.

Throughout his high school time, Dan could be found on the tennis court, wrestling mat, running cross country or delivering pizzas for Jakes Pizza in St James. After graduation Dan moved to North Mankato, where he lived with several friends while attending South Central Technical College. During his adult life, Dan enjoyed various jobs such as driving truck for Runge Trucking of St James, delivering feed for Watonwan Farm Service, but the jobs he loved most, was at the various schools. It brightened his day any time a student recognized him and said “Hi Mr Dan!” Most recently he landed his favorite job as the Head of Building and Grounds at St James Public School where he was so proud of his staff and how much they had accomplished and grew as a team. He often came home bragging about a boiler test passed.

Over the years in his spare time, Dan could be found helping with the Mankato 77 Lancers not only helping stripe the lots for practice, filling water jugs and helping feed 100+ hungry marchers, but also served proudly on the parent board. Here he was able to travel with Morgan to Colorado, and out east to Boston during their annual tour as well as mini tour and various parades. After this, Dan moved on to helping Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts throughout southern Minnesota as he served on the Membership Committee, Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 24, and wholeheartedly dedicated many weekends to helping with cub scout camps and various tasks at Norseland Scout Camp and Cedar Point Scout Camp and was so proud to help both his boys earn the rank of Eagle. In 2018 Dan organized the Troop 24 trip to Camp Meriwether in Oregon where he took the scouts on the Amtrak and completed the Railroad Merit Badge. This is one trip the guys still talk about today. This dedication to scouting earned Dan the Scouting District Award of Merit in 2014. During his time in St James Dan was honored to serve as the Chair of the Community Life Board at First Lutheran Church where he did an amazing job with all of the Lenten Suppers and also sang in the Praise Singers. He was also very involved in Habitat for Humanity and loved helping with 4H and the Rosendale Skippers.

Even with all of this, Dan would tell you his biggest accomplishment was his 3 children and the lives they have created and was so very proud of them in all of their activities.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Heidi; children, Morgan (Adam) Martin of Ashton IA, Chris Nelson and Kaden Nelson, both of North Mankato MN and granddaughter, Keira Martin, of Ocheyedan IA. Dan is also survived by his mother, Judy Nelson of St James, sister, Jennifer (Kevin) Harbitz of St James, Mother-in-law, Kathy Jeide of North Mankato MN, Father-in-law Eugene (Buck) Halverson of Blue Earth MN and Bonus Mother-in-law, Laurie Halverson Blue Earth MN. Sisters-in-Law, Andrea (Brett Wedlund) Halverson of Cottage Grove MN, Stacy Halverson of Northfield MN, and Kaira Jeide of Gurnee IL. Also, his nieces Hailey Harbitz and fiance Zach Spinks, Evelynn Jeide, Finley Johnston and nephews, Collin Harbitz, Easton Johnston, Tristan Johnston and Henry Forsberg, all of whom he was so proud of. Also celebrating his memory are many friends who were more like family.

Dan was met in heaven by his Father, Russell Nelson, Paternal Grandparents, Ervin and Myrtle Nelson, Maternal Grandparents, Carl and Clara Nelson, Bonus Father-in-law, Duane Jeide and Brother-in-law, Evan Jeide. Also joining them in welcoming Dan were many aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be Saturday July 19th from 9am to 12pm at Northview North Mankato Mortuary with a memorial service immediately following at 12pm. A private family burial will be held at a later date at Mount Hope Cemetery in St James MN where Dan will be buried by his father. Arrangements are being handled by Mankato Mortuary.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of support during this time.

The family would appreciate in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Dan’s memory to his children and their college expenses or Wahpekute Lodge, Order of the Arrow for a project to be completed as directed by his children at a camp.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.