Obituaries

After a six-year battle with pancreatic cancer, which he fought with perseverance and determination, David Lee Nelson, age 69, passed away at his home in DeForest on December 18, 2024. He was born on March 17, 1955 in Richland Center, WI. His parents, Gordon and Kathleen (Williams) Nelson raised him in Muscoda, WI, where he graduated from Riverdale High School in 1973. Dave married Kimberly Jones in 1978 and they shared 46 years of marriage. Together they raised two sons and enjoyed taking family trips in the summers, as well as traveling to tropical destinations, such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Aruba. Dave and Kim built a second home in Richland County, where they loved spending time outdoors and visiting friends and family.

During his career as a welder, Dave worked at Alkar-RapidPak in Lodi for over 30 years, until his retirement in 2017. After retirement, he enjoyed creating outdoor metal sculptures and yard art. Throughout his life, he always loved cars. He was a Chevy enthusiast and owned numerous muscle cars over the years. He joined a pit crew and most weekends you could find him at the stock car races. He also enjoyed auctions, collecting guns, deer hunting, and riding his motorcycle. Many great memories were made during several trips to Sturgis. Dave was an animal lover and had a special connection with his golden retriever, Annie. Above all, he loved his family and adored his two grandchildren.

Dave will be greatly missed and always remembered for his relentless ambition and his willingness to lend a hand to help others.

Dave is survived by his wife, Kim Nelson; sons, Bryan (Coral) Nelson and Mike (Kaitlin) Nelson; grandchildren, Eli and Thera; brother, Tom (Brenda) Berger; sisters-in-law, Denise Meier and Leslea Lechten; brother-in-law, Mitch McGaw; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Alice McGaw; and brothers-in-law, Carl Meier and Jeff Lechten.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dave's longtime physician, Dr. Tyler Zenner at SSM Health Sun Prairie.

Per Dave’s request, no formal services will be held. A celebration of his life is being planned for Spring 2025.

Memorials may be made to the Badger Honor Flight, Dane Co. Humane Society, or to a favorite charity of your choice.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250