Full Obituary

     DAVID W. NELSON "BLACK KNIGHT", age 79, of Loyal, WI, passed away at home on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 with his family at his side.  A Celebration of Life to honor Dave will be held at the Loyal American Legion on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 12pm to 5pm.  Military honors will be conducted by the Loyal American Legion Honor Guard at 2pm.
     David Walter Nelson was born on April 20, 1947 in Black River Falls, WI to Walter J. and Vernell (Finch) Nelson.  His family moved to Loyal in 1948, where he was raised on a farm and received his education, graduating from Loyal High School in 1965.  After completing high school, Dave moved to Milwaukee, where he worked for a year before returning to Loyal.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army on February 9, 1967, served in Vietnam until his honorable discharge on September 14, 1968, and was a recipient of the Bronze Star with valor.  Dave was united in marriage on October 29, 1973 to Shirley A. Goodbrand in Neillsville, WI.  He worked at Artcraft Homes in Spencer, WI until its closing.  Dave then worked for various farmers, including Jim Wangen and Steve Schlinsog, before starting his own cattle hauling business, Nelson Trucking, which he operated for 35 years, retiring in 2023.
     He had many interests, but especially enjoyed hunting bear, racoon and coyote, loved the Green Bay Packers, and cherished deer hunting with his children and grandchildren.
     Dave will be dearly missed by his wife, Shirley, of Loyal; his children: Kim Nelson (Riley Ashbeck) of Spencer, WI, Melinda Nelson (Derek Krasselt) of Greenwood, WI, Caley Nelson of Loyal, Cal "Bubba" (fiancé Becky Von Loh) of Medford, WI; 10 grandchildren: Brent Decorah (fiancé Jennifer Trippler), Brittany Schwark, Trevor and Devin Witt, Kobe and Kadyn Delis, Landin Nelson, Zayden Carriveau, Cole Nelson, and Colten (Cierra) Nelson; 7 great-grandchildren: Grace and Kelly Decorah, Greyson Bohanon, Brock, Braxton, Alessa and Ariella Nelson; 11 siblings: Bonnie (Erlin) Roehl of Loyal, Carol (Curt) Richter of Naples, FL, John (Karen) of Loyal, Beverly Zupanc of Stratford, Dennis (Chris) of Loyal, Randy of Loyal, Rosemary (Jim) Rudoll of Winter, WI, Jack (Tracy) of Greenwood, Dallas (Jeanine) of Dexterville, WI, Nila Potter of Springstead, WI, and Ricky of Loyal; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
     He was preceded in death by his son, Chad W. Nelson on July 21, 1995; his parents; 2 brothers: Russell and Ronald; his brother-in-law, Joe Zupanc; and 2 nephews: Bryan Nelson and Todd Rudoll.