Donald O. Nehlsen, "Don," died on Thursday, Dec. 2, at Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital. He was 74 years old.
Born in Chicago and raised in Southern California, Don travelled the United Sates as a child chorister. He served in the US Navy Reserve at the end of the Korean War and then went on to obtain degrees from California State Polytechnic University and Loyola University School of Law. After years of private practice in California, he could not resist the lure of the Caribbean. He lived on Nevis before settling on St. Croix, where he married Phyllis Martin Nehlsen in 1983, and found himself to be an instant and caring father to his step-children: Susan, Judith and Martin.
Don had a long and varied career on-island. He served as an assistant attorney general, developed a hand-crafted jewelry business, operated the Spindrift Gift Store, was an insurance agent with St. Croix Insurance and worked security for the Divi Carina Casino before retiring. He was a charter member and former president of the Harborside Rotary Club. His health chronically compromised by diabetes, Don will be remembered for his determination not to let the disease interfere with enjoying life to its fullest. He appreciated his friends, doctors and the staff of the Caribbean Kidney Center, who helped him with that goal.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Phyllis Martin Nehlsen; children: Susan Bertoni, Judith McMann and Martin Ruppert; sons-in-law: Dr. Alain Bertoni and Donald McMann; and grandchildren: Briana Cornish, Margaret Bertoni, Marc Bertoni and Samantha McMann.
A brief memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13, at the LGOS Lutheran Church on King Street, Christiansted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands, 516 Hospital Street, Frederiksted, VI 00840.
All arrangements are by James Memorial Funeral Home Inc
