Donald Albert Nechville, 81, of Owatonna, died Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Homestead Hospice House surrounded by his family. Don faced a long battle with several challenging health issues including Lewy Body Dementia and, most recently, pneumonia.
Don was born December 27, 1938 in Owatonna to Albert and Elizabeth (Walbert) Nechville. He grew up on the family farm with his sister Mary Pat (Jirele). On November 5th, 1960, Don married his sweetheart of nearly 60 years – Susan Catherine Lovold. Don and Sue worked together to raise a family, build a beautiful home, operate several businesses and create a wonderful life.
If you ask Don about his greatest accomplishment, he would tell you about his children: Teri Wallace, Tim Nechville, Sandy (Mike) Svestka, Dawn (Jim) Lindall and Dan Nechville. Equally important to him were his grandchildren: Wes Learmann, Sean Wallace, Ellie (Chase) Radue, Emily Pearson, Megan Pearson, Seth Nechville, Matt Svestka, Stanley Nechville and Franklin Nechville. Don deeply loved his family as well as his many animal companions.
Don spent his entire life as a member of the Owatonna community where he was known for his many contributions, his sense of humor, his desire to give all a chance and so much more. If you were of recipient of Don’s graciousness, you knew it, felt it and believed in it.
Proud of his service to the U.S. Navy, the Steele County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, Steele County Exchange Club as well as other community organizations, Don is particularly known in Owatonna and across the country for raising the unique Wood, Plains and Wisent bison. In fact, he and Sue donated a life-sized mount bison - named Nickel - to the Steele County History Center.
Note from Don’s family: During his last days of life many remarkable caregivers in our community supported our husband, father and grandfather. As his family, we would like to thank the staff of Homestead Hospice House for the loving care shown to all of us and our Dad.
Dad often commented on the kindness, competence and care provided by EMTs, CountrySide staff, Owatonna Hospital emergency room nurses, as well as the medical staff in hospital room 2642. Dad appreciated their acceptance of his humor and relished in their care. Our father helped people in need and deeply valued the love shown to him during his own time of need.
While the pandemic is limiting our ability to publicly gather to celebrate Dad’s life and contributions, we have heard from many people wondering about a memorial service. Our family is planning a private family gathering on Monday and would appreciate anyone who is able to share a story, memory or experience they had with Don on his obituary page at www.michaelsonfuneral.com. These will be read as a part of our family gathering on Monday. Dad would love for you to stay safe and celebrate his life by sharing with others in need (human or animal) through donations to: Sacred Heart Church, Transitional Housing, Homestead Hospice House, Hospitality House of Owatonna, Steele County Humane Society or another organization. Cards can be sent to Sue at Ecumen CountySide 650 El Dorado Street, Owatonna, MN 55060. |