David Nelson

David Nelson, 82, of rural Sunburg, died Thursday, June 18 at Copperleaf Senior Living in Willmar. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 24 at East Norway Lake Lutheran Church in rural New London. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue one hour prior to his service. Burial will be at the church cemetery. www.hafh.org

David LaVern Nelson was born on September 18, 1943, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Oscar and June (Foshager) Nelson. He spent his early years on the family farm near Brooten, attending District 95 Country School. In 1950, after a brief time living near Kerkhoven, the family moved to a farm near Sunburg. David was baptized and confirmed at East Norway Lake Lutheran Church, where he remained a faithful lifelong member.

David graduated from Kerkhoven High School in 1961. Following graduation, he began farming alongside his father and continued the family farming tradition.

On December 4, 1965, David was united in marriage to Pamela Jane Tande at LaSalle Lutheran Church. Together they shared more than 60 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They were blessed with three children: Trent, Kristen, and Sarah.

In 1977, David purchased the farm from his parents and dedicated his life to caring for the land and his livestock. He and Pam worked side-by-side for nearly 30 years milking cows and raising calves before selling the dairy herd in 1996. Retirement did not slow him down, however, as he began raising beef cattle and driving truck for Dunn Trucking, ventures he fondly referred to as his “retirement jobs”.

David took great pride in his livestock and farm equipment, and maintaining a well-kept farmstead. He was known for his straight rows of corn and the pride he had keeping his semi and tractors well-polished and meticulously cared for.

Above all, David cherished his family. He was a devoted grandfather who took great joy in spending time with his grandchildren. Some of their favorite memories were riding with Grandpa in the Gator, often with the family German Shepherd happily along for the ride. He was never too busy or too tired for a Gator ride and always obliged with the familiar “Go faster, Grandpa” requests with a smile. His steady presence, quiet dedication, and love for his family will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Surviving are his wife, Pam; children, Kristen (Ronald) Rosenboom of Sunburg; Sarah (Jeffrey) Linn of Spicer; and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Nelson of Sunburg; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are his brothers, Kenneth (Bonita) Nelson of Bloomington, and Gary (Marie) Nelson of Sauk Centre; and other family and friends.

He was preceded by his parents, and son, Trent, on February 28, 2026.

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