David Joe Nelson

     David Joe Nelson, the son of Charles and Kay (Rustad) Nelson was born May 13, 1952 in Spencer, IA. His childhood years were spent in the Gillett Grove, IA area, where he attended school at South Clay and graduated from South Clay High School in 1970. David enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1970 And served until his Honorable Discharge in 1973

     David returned to the Gillett Grove area where he farmed with his father and uncle Lee for over 40 years, until his retirement in 2019. He married Shelly Elsbury on October 12, 1999 in Royal, IA.

     David enjoyed going for rides in the wagon with his Draft horses, Bob and John, trail riding in the mountains, having coffee with his friends at the elevator and Gillett Grove Community Center, reading, history, and especially spending time with his grandchildren at the farm.

     David passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at the Ruthven Community Care Center at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles, and his brother, Pat.

     Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Shelly of Dickens, IA; one daughter, Ellie (Morgan) Mueller of Seattle, WA; 2 grandchildren, Charlie and Cora; his mother, Kay of Spencer, IA; one sister, Judy (Clyde) Male of Summerset, WI; other relatives; and many friends.