David P. Nelson

David P. Nelson, 77, of Ettrick, passed away March 16, 2020, at his home after an accident in the barn.

David was born April 1, 1942, to Melvin and Altah (Evenson) Nelson in La Crosse.

David was raised on a farm in Holmen and graduated from Holmen High School. He went on to receive his bachelors degree from UW-Madison, with a major in Animal Science with a meat concentration. He joined the U.S. Army ROTC while in college.

After graduating from college, David began buying cattle for Wilson Packing. On September 2, 1967, he married Charlotte Cantlon in Ettrick. They celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary this past year. He continued buying cattle and they moved from Albert Lea, MN., to New Hampton, IA., to Cedar Rapids, IA. It was then that David got sick of traveling and ventured back home to buy the farm in Ettrick. David farmed for 45 years on Thimble Peak farm. This was his pride and joy. When asked how he felt about selling the cows to have his knee replaced back a few years ago, he commented “there is nothing like a fresh heifer.”

He never ventured too far from his farm, but enjoyed traveling to Madison for homecomings, Badgers basketball and football games and also enjoyed traveling to Milwaukee to the State Fair to watch his sons and grand-daughters show his prized Holsteins. Again, nothing quite compared to the heifer show there.

David is survived by his wife, Charlotte; his children: Richard, Julie (Steve) Kitchner, Ronald, Larry; a brother, Lewis; and three grand-daughters: Megan, Samantha and Jessica.

Private family funeral services were held Saturday, March 21, 2020, due to health restrictions on larger gatherings. Burial was at St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery in Ettrick.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Galesville Chapel assisted the family.

Special Sections

Comment Here