Donald Ray "Donnie" Nielsen

Donald Ray Nielsen of Fredericktown passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2010, at Parkland Health Center, at the age of 51 years. He was born on February 11, 1959, at Bonne Terre, MO. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Louis Allen Matkin and his grandfather, Raymond Grindstaff. A life long resident of the area, Donnie graduated from Farmington High School in 1977. He was a member of Delassus Baptist Church and the Teamsters Union. He was employed by YRC in St. Louis where he had worked for the past sixteen years. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, and barbecuing and entertaining friends and family was one of his favorite pastimes. His granddaughter Gracie was the apple of his eye. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Vickie (Williams) Nielsen, their two daughters, Brittany (Mrs. Barry) Watson of Columbia and Tiffany Nielsen of the home; a granddaughter, Grace Watson; his mother, Rosa Lee Matkin of Knob Lick; his maternal grandmother, Glenda Grindstaff of Knob Lick; three brothers, Greg Nielsen and his wife Gale, Randy Nielsen and his wife Dana, all of Farmington and Chuck Klempert and his wife Amy of Ironton; and a sister, Tammy (Mrs. Bill) Mund of Farmington. Also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25. Visitation will resume on Thursday morning at 7 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. in the Cozean Chapel with the Rev. Charles Shrum officiating. Interment will be at Silver Point Union Church Cemetery in Womack. Memorials may be made to the Family. Share your condolences and memories and view the online obituary and tribute video at cozean.biz.