John Nelson, 82, of Good Thunder, passed away September 8th, 2025. Survived by his wife Donna (Smothers), sister Susan Mills, daughters Julie and Rachel (Olson), daughter-in-law Nancy Floyd, son-in-law Chad Olson, grandsons Dylan, Myles, and Zachary Olson, and golden retrievers Laci and Sierra. John was born on March 1, 1943, in Mankato, to Catherine and Morris "Curly". He graduated from Mankato West, where he ran cross country and track. He served in the Army from 1965-67, married Donna in 1968, and they raised two daughters. John was a devoted softball coach. In 1978, John and Donna created the first organized youth softball program in Mapleton, MN, where his daughters and thousands of other girls have benefited. John was an avid reader. He loved all of the following: bass fishing, golden retrievers, red wine, chocolate, and wild birds. He raised beautiful gardens of roses, fruit trees, and too many tomatoes. His baking prowess was legendary. He and Donna enjoyed winters in Florida. And John loved Donna very, very much. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following: Maple River softball endowment, RAGOM (golden retriever rescue), Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, Loaves and Fishes. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 20th from 3-6 pm at the Mapleton Community Center. Per Donna's request, attendees are encouraged to wear something that reflects one of John's many favorite things.