David Virgil Nelson, Sr.

David Virgil Nelson, Sr., age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Dave was born on November 23, 1938, in a different era and time. He truly lived 85 unapologetic balls to the wall years.   He lived honest and true to his people, on his own terms, till the very end.  He was a strong man on the outside, and a true teddy bear inside. 

Dave worked as a Dredge Engineer for Local 025, the International Union of Operating Engineers.  He was extremely talented and could fix anything that came his way.  His career expanded over the years and he became a Chief Engineer.  Over his career, he traveled the world, and lived in Africa, Venezuela and many other amazing places,  with  the love of his life by his side.

He was a loyal Husband, Dad “Daddy”, Granddad “Pop-Pop” “G-Pop, Great Grampa and Great Great Grampa and the working legend “Old Man”. He taught everyone how to “Never give up, stay true, work hard and live a full satisfied life”.  He never stopped learning and enjoyed over 20 years of well deserved retirement.  He was a world traveler and he never stopped enjoying all that life had to offer, and made so many wonderful memories, full of adventure, strength, wisdom, laughter and a life of love.  Dave was the strongest man, and a legend that will never be forgotten by all who knew and loved him.

His legacy includes his cherished wife of 51 years, Laurie D. Nelson (Dembek), his loving daughters, Davelyn Nelson, Brenda Delouch, David Nelson, Jr. and Dawn Moser (David Rudik). Loving grandfather of 13 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren.

Dave’s services will be private for the family. 

 Dave lived by the following words from Mother Teresa:

"Life" 

Life is an opportunity, Benefit from it.

Life is a beauty, Admire it.

Life is bliss, taste it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is costly, care for it.

Life is wealth, keep it.

Life is love, enjoy it.

Life is a mystery, know it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is a sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is Life, do not destroy it!

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