Donzel L. “Donnie” Nielsen, 79, of North Platte, passed away August 20, 2015 at his home. He was born June 18, 1936 to Niels and Florence (Essley) Nielsen on the Garfield Table in Logan County. Donnie graduated from Stapleton High School in 1954 and later served as a technical sergeant in the United States Air Force for over 20 years. During that time, he was united in marriage to Bette Towers on September 8, 1963 at Amarillo, TX. After his discharge he hired on the UPPR and retired in 1998. Donnie loved spending time with family, especially his granddaughter Kaitlyn. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trips to Rosebud, and playing shuffleboard. Donnie was proud of his military service and his country.  He was a member of the Eagles, American Legion, VFW, and Platte Valley Lodge #32 A.F. and A. M. Survivors include his daughter, Kim Clawson, granddaughter, Kaitlyn both of Centennial, CO, two sisters, Lynette Baker and Lorain Bartmess both of North Platte; two brothers, Donald (Esther) of Laramie, WY,and Darold (Braun) of Kearney; several nieces and nephews including Charles Towers of Thermopolis, WY, and many friends including Margaret Call. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Bette,  three sisters, Lenora Moore, Virginia Nielsen, and Leora Smith; four brothers, Deane, Darwin, Dennis and Dale Nielsen. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Burial will be at Plainview Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors. A memorial has been established in his memory. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.