Donald Gunelson

Donald S. Gunelson, age 72, of Belview, MN, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Parkview Nursing Home in Belview, MN. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Redwood Falls, with luncheon to follow at the church. A burial will follow the luncheon at 1:15 pm at the Belview City Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to his service from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls and Morgan were in charge of the arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

Donald Gunelson, born on August 20th, 1953 in Belview, Minnesota, departed from this world on Saturday, November 29th, following a long battle with cancer. Thankfully he was surrounded by exceptional hospice nurses and nursing staff at Parkview Nursing Home.

Donald's educational journey began in the Belview Public School System and upon graduation went on to Alexandria technical School in 1971. He later moved to the twin cities to pursue a career as a commercial artist. In 1982 he returned to Belview to lend support to his mother. He worked for many years at the Belview Post Office, served his community by joining the city council, the Parkview board and served as mayor for one term. He was very proud to be a volunteer for the Belview Ambulance Service for over two decades.

He purchased and remodeled the old Rainbow Cafe building on Main Street, turning it into the Rainbow Antique Store. He loved antiques and the stories behind them.

Donald could often be seen riding his bike around town and into the Minnesota River valley. He loved nature and being in the outdoors. He continued his artistic pursuits by painting, drawing, and creating cartoons. He was quite the artist!

Donald is survived by his loving sister, Sister Mary Cecile Gunelson of O'Fallon, Missouri and his brothers, George Gunelson of White Bear lake, Minnesota, John Gunelson of Minnetonka, Minnesota, Richard(Sherry) Gunelson of Woodbury Minnesota and Peter(Linda) Gunelson of St Louis Park, Minnesota. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, as well as Great-nieces and Great-nephews, who will carry his memory forward.

He was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Cecilia Gunelson, his brother Jens Gunelson, and his sister Catherine Vleck, brother-in-law James Vleck, and sister-in-law Vera Gunelson.

Donald leaves behind a legacy of kindness, good humor, and creativity to all who are fortunate enough to call him family and friend.

May he rest in peace.