Search by Name

Search by Name

David S. NELSON

01/24/1920 - 02/16/2013

David S. NELSON obituary, 01/24/1920-02/16/2013

BORN

01/24/1920

DIED

02/16/2013

David NELSON Obituary

NELSON, David S. (Age 93) Passed away peacefully on February 16, 2013, in Spokane, Washington. David was born on January 24, 1920, in Culbertson, Montana, to David S. Nelson and Josephine (Johnson) Nelson. David worked hard as part of his pioneer family, herding cattle from a young age, and helping with all the demands of the family farm. He worked on the building of the Ft. Peck Dam as part of the New Deal, and he worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad and the Great Northern Railway and joined the Montana National Guard. David graduated from Culbertson High School in 1937. World War II resulted in the activation of David's National Guard unit, and he served as a staff sergeant in the army in the South Pacific. Because of his railroad experience, David was stationed in the Philippines at the end of the war rebuilding railroad lines. He enjoyed being honored as a veteran throughout his life. David married Beatrice J. Brasch in 1942, and they had four daughters. They lived in the Seattle area until David was transferred back home to eastern Montana in 1960. David was proud of his hard work and career with the railroad, employed by Great Northern, Burlington Northern, and Amtrak, in a variety of positions, ending as a railroad division superintendent with responsibilities covering four states. He had many lifelong friends in his fellow railroad families. David and Betty were divorced in 1966, and in 1968, David married Marian Brosinska. They lived in Spokane, Great Falls, MT, and then Ottumwa, Iowa. David retired in 1979, and he and Marion lived in Mesa, Arizona, and then Salem, Oregon. David worked hard and played hard, enjoying socializing and being involved in civic activities. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing, and walking in his older years. He was an avid reader, card player, and gardener, as well as a great cook. He enjoyed competitive golf and bridge. After the death of his wife, Marian, in 2003, David moved back to Spokane, and at the time of his death lived at Riverview Terrace, where he enjoyed the social activities, joking with the residents and staff, watching the wildlife, and visiting with his daughters. David loved music, singing, western history, Louie Lamour novels, making jokes, and living out his Lutheran faith. David was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Ernest and Howard, his sister Myrtle Pyle, and his twin sister, Florence Berg, his wife, Marian, and his former wife, Betty, as well as two nieces and two nephews. He is survived by his four daughters, Nancy LaBolle, Jeanne Ratliff, Elizabeth Pfiffner, and Kathy Nelson, stepdaughter Cathie (Mike) Glowa, stepson Ray Brosinska, nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and seven nieces and nephews. David's family wishes to thank the staff of Riverview Terrace for their care and friendship to David and his family. We also wish to thank the staff of Deaconess Hospital's Advanced Coronary unit for their excellent medical care and sensitive presence in David's final days. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be conducted at Riverview Terrace Chapel on March 7 at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Gary Moore officiating. A family graveside service will be held at a later date. Internment will be at Spokane Memorial Gardens, in the Apostles' Court.

Published by Spokesman-Review from Feb. 21 to Feb. 24, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for David NELSON

Not sure what to say?





I love all your cowboy stories...and humor. You were a hard worker..and you were very active your whole life..I am glad I got to see you during the holidays..these last few years.

Jamie Hyams

March 4, 2013

The sparkle in his eye suggested a love of life and people; I love the picture of Dave as a young man, the same sparkle is there. We will miss seeing Dave at Riverview.

Valerie

February 24, 2013

Dave was a kind, generous, funny, story teller. The world is certainly a better place for having him in it.

Ed Casper

February 22, 2013

You are forever in my heart, Dad. Your Grace, honest and caring advice and support over the years have been invaluable to me. I will miss it, and you, for the rest of my time on this earth.

Ray Brosinska

February 21, 2013

Grandpa Dave was a great husband to my mother and fun and loving grandfather to my children, Mark and Christi.

Cathie G

February 21, 2013

Love you Grandpa! You will be missed! Christi

Christi Egger

February 21, 2013

The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of David S. Nelson for your loss, to honor his service (WWII) to our country and our patriotic hero.

February 21, 2013

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in David NELSON's name

Memorial Events
for David NELSON

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support David's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David NELSON's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more