Daniel Lynn Nelsen

Daniel Lynn Nelsen

Nickname: Dan or Wally

Age: 73

Resided in Austin, MN

Death: March 15, 2026

While vacationing in Destin, FL with his family, Dan suffered several cardiac events. He passed away peacefully with his family at his side on March 15, 2026 at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Miramar Beach, FL.

Dan was born on March 13, 1953 in Rochester, MN to Arnold and Loretta (Schammel) Nelsen. He grew up on the family farm outside of Rose Creek, MN. Dan grew up working on the family farm and overhauled his first tractor when he was 13 years old. He graduated from Rose Creek High School in 1971. In high school, Dan participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was all conference in football and the first Rose Creek Indian to be All State in football. After high school, Dan attended one year of college in Wahpeton, ND where he played football, and was inducted into the football hall of fame.

Dan was united in marriage to Janet Marie Landherr on August 9, 1975 at St. Peter’s church in Rose Creek, MN. Together they built a life centered on family and were blessed with two sons, Jason and Mike. Dan worked at Meier Implement and Austin Power & Equipment in Austin, MN early in his career. In 2000, Dan opened a service shop at his home in Rose Creek, MN. He was a farm equipment mechanic all his life and retired in 2020.

Dan had a deep love for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Every year, he looked forward to his ice fishing trips with his brothers, sons, grandson, and friends, cherishing the time spent together. Above all, his grandchildren were his greatest joy. He loved attending all of their events, cheering them on from the stand, and celebrating every milestone. Dan loved his grandkids with all of his heart and was very proud of everything they accomplished. His life was filled with love, laughter, and simple pleasures of family and nature.

Dan dedicated many years to working on small projects for others, always eager to lend a hand in any way he could. His true passion was in sharing his knowledge of fixing things and mechanics, especially with his sons and grandson, passing on wisdom and life lessons to the next generation.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Loretta Nelsen; Infant brother; Grandparents, Edward and Frances Schammel and Louis and Audrey Nelsen; Father and Mother in-law, Clarence and Delores Landherr; Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Steve and Pat Landherr; and Brother in-law, Jim Landherr.

Dan is survived by his wife, Jan; children, Jason (Michelle) Nelsen, Adams, MN, and Mike (Tasha) Nelsen, Elkton, MN; grandchildren, Kayla, Bria, Gavin, Claire and Brede Nelsen.

Dan is also survived by his brothers, Bruce (Shirley) Nelsen, Craig Nelsen, and Dave (Pam) Nelsen, all of Rose Creek, MN; Brothers-in-law: Gary (Gale) Landherr, Lyle, MN, Jeff (Christine) Landherr, Cambridge, MN, and Brian (Wendy) Landherr, Rose Creek, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The funeral/memorial services will be held on Tuesday, March 31st at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Adams, MN with the visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Following the service, a celebration of life will be held at the Adams American Legion from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. to enjoy food and fellowship. All are welcome to attend.

The family will have a private burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Rose Creek at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home in Miramar Beach, FL. A huge thank you to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital for their southern hospitality and care for Dan. We will be forever grateful!

Gift Bearers are Kayla, Bria, Gavin, Claire and Brede Nelsen.

Honorary pallbearers are Bruce Nelsen, Craig Nelsen, Dave (Chunk) Nelsen, Gary Landherr, Jeff Landherr, Brian Landherr, and Norb Schlichter.