David Leroy Nelsen was born to Harold and Annabelle (Williams) Nelsen on September 23, 1947 in St. Francis, Kansas.  He passed away on November 10, 2024 at Cheyenne County Hospital.

David was the second oldest of four boys.  As a child, he was baptized at United Methodist Church in Bird City, Kansas.  He attended Bird City schools, graduating in 1965.  After graduation, he pursued his lifelong career of farming and ranching south of Bird City.

On June 18, 1967, David married his high school sweetheart Deanna (Gerver) Nelsen.  They wed at St. John Lutheran church where he soon was confirmed, becoming a lifetime member.  To this union, three daughters were born:  Dana, Denise, and Darci.

Throughout the years, David's hobbies included fishing, hunting, playing cards and putting together jigsaw puzzles.  David was a perfectionist, taking pride in his various projects; many of which included woodworking, shop projects, custom-made novelty lures and bucktails.  He enjoyed attending his kids'/grandkids' school sports and activities, as well as cheering on his favorite NFL team - the Kansas City Chiefs.

Those who know David, know that he never met a stranger, he was always up for a game of pinochle and his beloved picture of his Kansas-ranked "30-point buck" was shared with most everyone.

David's most valued pride and joy was his family!

David was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Darrel and Dwayne; father- and mother-in-law Wayne and Patty Gerver; and sister-in-law Pam Gerver.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years Deanna; daughters Dana (Don) Barnhart, Denise (Max) Keltz, Darci (Kale) Schields 15 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brother Doyle (Linda) Nelsen; brother-in-law Ray (Pauletta) Gerver; a host of other relatives and a multitude of friends.