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1952
David
2025
David "Diesel Dave" Nelson
March 1, 1952 — January 9, 2025
Irene
- David Nelson, more commonly known as Diesel Dave, dad, papa, son, brother, friend passed away on January 9, 2025. He was an unconditionally loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and devoted friend, neighbor, and brother. After winning a courageous battle with cancer, his heart, which had always been bigger than life itself gave way. He left a permanent mark on everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
- Dave was born on March 1, 1952, to Helen and Donald Nelson. He spent much of his life as a diesel mechanic. Known far and wide for his skill and expertise, he proudly worked for John Deere in Irene from 1973-1988 and in Yankton from 1988-1994. In the world of diesel mechanics, he was legendary and always adhered to the motto, “nothing runs like a Deere.” David embodied this in everything he did. He approached every task with care, grit, and perfection. An injury eventually forced him to hang up his wrenches in the field he loved, but his spirit was not shaken. When his hands could no longer hold the tools with the excellence, he prided himself on, he could always be found directing his friends and neighbors to fix their tractors and cars. Step by step, they were taught the pride of his trade. His generous spirit and endless supply of patience were evident in his drop everything tendency to lend a hand to anyone in need. No task was too big or too small. He could often be found doing chores for neighbors, mowing Dorothy’s lawn, and was looking forward to being back in the fields this spring planting for his friends and neighbors. This year’s harvest won’t be the same without the mark of the man so counted on by others. Known for trading his time and skills for a good meal or even a “new to him” truck. His answer to most requests for help was never about what’s in it for him it was “you betcha.”
- David was a rich man, rich in love. This love spread miles and miles beyond his work. He is survived by his beloved daughter and five adopted children. He adored his family, no matter how they entered his life. He cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved unconditionally and his pride in his family was unmatched. Papa Dave had a special way of making his children and grandchildren feel loved. He would often have a small amount of pocket money and was notorious for giving a few dollars, often a two-dollar bill, with an ear-to-ear grin and a rule, “to buy something stupid.” It was his way of spreading joy. Truly a reflection of his fun-loving spirit and his generous heart.
- His legacy, while filled with his work with diesels, was defined by the love and kindness he so freely gave. He would give you the shirt off his back, even if it was his last one. He offered help in any way he could through offering a word of wisdom, lending a hand, or a listening ear. When you were with David, you were the only one who mattered. His entire life was a testament to his silent strength and unconditional love.
- All of those who had the privilege of knowing Dave along with his family, will always remember him as a gentle giant, a larger-than-life teddy bear, who radiated warmth, wisdom, and kindness. He spent his retirement years working at Shop Ez rarely missing work and freely sharing his spirit with his customers. While professionally, a legend, it was the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, family and friends that truly filled his heart. In the end, while the cancer proved to be a challenging adversary, it did not defeat him. He would not allow it to win. As his grandson Trenton shared, “the cancer didn’t take him, his heart simply got too big.” David will be missed to an unexplainable degree, and his legacy will live in the hearts of all who loved him.
- “Do it right, do it well.” This was not only a part of the John Deere motto, but it was also the way he lived his life. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you listened. The love he gave was endless. His love had zero conditions and was never ending.
- David is survived by his children Abby (Adam) Lawrence, Jennifer Johnson, Marty Collins, Becky Johnston, Jeremy Nelson, and Brad (Amanda) Nelson. Sisters Barbara (John) Schiebout and Sandy (Dennis) Barkley, Duane (Janet) Nelson, and Gretchen Moeller. Goddaughter, Sophia. Cousins, nieces, nephews. His grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters, and brother. He was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Helen and Donald Nelson, many friends, neighbors, cousins, and family.
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Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation for David E. Nelson
Thursday, January 16, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Hansen Funeral Home - Irene
Celebration of Life of David E. Nelson
Friday, January 17, 2025
10:00 - 11:15 am (Central time)
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
Burial of David Nelson
Friday, January 17, 2025
11:30 - 11:45 am (Central time)
Rose Hill Cemetery
Guestbook
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