David Nelson Obituary

David Ervin Nelson, 88, of Rochester, MN, cast out his final line and passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025 with his children by his side.
Dave was born on June 30, 1936 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN to Ervin "Bud" and Ruth (O'Connell) Nelson. He grew up on a small farm in Simpson, MN where he attended kindergarten through 8th grade at District #14 schoolhouse, Olmsted County Public Schools. Dave then went on to attend Lourdes High School where he graduated in 1954.
In December of 1954, while downtown visiting the Post Office, Dave was approached by a recruiter. That very day, at just 18-years-old, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, eager to see the world. He shipped off in January of 1955 to complete his basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. After training, he spent two years stationed at Pearl Harbor. His time in the Navy later led him to China, Formosa (later Taiwan), and Okinawa, Japan. He concluded his tour of duty aboard a radar picket ship in Bremerton, WA.
While in Washington, Dave was honored to serve as the best man in a friend's wedding where he met Carole Freeman, the maid of honor, who would go on to become the love of his life. The two were married on December 28, 1957, in Seattle, WA. Dave was discharged from the Navy in January 1959 and returned to Rochester to begin the next chapter of his life. He was proud to have served his country and remained an active member of the Rochester Korean War Veterans Club throughout his life.
In 1959, he started his career at IBM in Rochester, where he dedicated 38 years of service until his retirement in 1997. Even after retiring, Dave remained active, continuing to work part-time for an additional 3-4 years.
Dave was an avid fan of both the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings, but his passion for sports went beyond just watching games. He was also a dedicated coach for the Rochester Youth Football Association (RYFA) and the Rochester Youth Baseball Association (RYBA). Coaching all four of his sons in football and baseball was a highlight that he took pride in. He also relished many opportunities to play on the church softball team with his two oldest boys.
In 1978, Dave and Carole purchased a cabin in Waskish, MN, unaware that it would become the backdrop for countless family memories for both his children and grandchildren. One of Dave's greatest joys was fishing for walleye on the Tamarack River and Upper Red Lake, where he proudly reeled in countless prized catches. He enjoyed building campfires and always looked forward to celebrating Minnesota's annual fishing opener at the cabin, a special tradition that he shared with his sons, daughters, and numerous grandchildren. After retiring, he and Carole spent even more time at the cabin, often staying three weeks each month during June, July, and August, creating lasting memories in the place they loved.
In addition to his time spent fishing on the water, Dave also cherished his years at the Hemingway Hilton deer camp, where he enjoyed quality time spent with both family and friends.
Dave will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on through the moments that brought him joy, including his daily breakfasts at Hy-Vee, his beloved seat at The Legion, and his signature drink, a Miller Genuine Draft.
He is survived by his wife, Carole Nelson; six children, Scott "Pee Wee" Nelson, Kurt (Sue) Nelson, Todd (Cheryl) Nelson, Sharyl (Bob) Sanderfoot, Cari (Ron) Hagen, and Jeff (Kellie) Nelson; brother, Cyril "Cy" (Maxine) Nelson; 10 grandchildren, Katie (Jake) Jackson, Peter (Alisha) Sanderfoot, Joe (Elaine) Hagen, Kaytlin Nelson, Mary (Tyler) Saro, Erik (Emily) Nelson, Kyle Nelson, Liz (Ryan) Hagen, Alex Nelson, and Anna Nelson; 13 great-grandchildren, Max Baines, Hannah Jackson, Ryder Anderson, Lucas Wells, Leah Jackson, Amelia Nelson, Noah Wells, Nora Saro, Benson Nelson, Levi Jackson, Odin Sanderfoot, Ruby Hagen, and Apollo Sanderfoot; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Ruth; brother, John Nelson; sister, Janet (Ray) Quandt; cousins, Paul and Jim Nelson; and nephew, Terry Quandt.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St SE, Rochester, MN. A Memorial Mass will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, 2123 County Rd 16, Rochester, MN, with visitation one hour prior, beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place after Mass at St. Bridget's Cemetery with a luncheon following in the church hall. A Celebration of Life will be held later that day from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at The American Legion, 915 21st Ave SE, Rochester, MN.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Mayo Clinic Hospice and Green Prairie Rehabilitation Center in Plainview, MN, for the compassionate care and support they provided to Dave and his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dave's memory to the Rochester Korean War Veterans Club, an organization that he was proud to be a part of.