David “Black Knight” Nelson
David “Black Knight” W. Nelson, age 79, of Loyal, passed away at home on Wednesday, Oct. 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, Nov. 14, 2026, from 12-5 p.m. Military honors will be conducted by the Loyal American Legion Honor Guard at 2 p.m.
David Walter Nelson was born on April 20, 1947, in Black River Falls 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 Feb. 9, 1967, served in Vietnam until his honorable discharge on Sept. 14, 1968, and was a recipient of the Bronze Star with valor. Dave was united in marriage on Oct. 29, 1973, to Shirley A. Goodbrand in Neillsville. He worked at Artcraft Homes in Spencer 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, raccoon, 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, Melinda Nelson (Derek Krasselt) of Greenwood, Caley Nelson of Loyal, and Cal “Bubba” (fiancée Becky Von Loh) of Medford; 10 grandchildren: Brent Decorah (fiancée Jennifer Trippler), Brittany Schwark, Trevor and Devin Witt, Kobe and Kadyn Delis, Landin Nelson, Zayden Carriveau, Cole Nelson, and Colten (Cierra) Nelson; seven great-grandchildren: Grace and Kelly Decorah, Greyson Bohanon, and Brock, Braxton, Alessa, and Ariella Nelson; 11 siblings: Bonnie (Erlin) Roehl of Loyal, Carol (Curt) Richter of Naples, Fla., John (Karen) of Loyal, Beverly Zupanc of Stratford, Dennis (Chris) of Loyal, Randy of Loyal, Rosemary (Jim) Rudoll of Winter, Jack (Tracy) of Greenwood, Dallas (Jeanine) of Dexterville, Nila Potter of Springstead, and Ricky of Loyal; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Chad W. Nelson, on July 21, 1995; his parents; two brothers: Russell and Ronald; his brother-in-law, Joe Zupanc; and two nephews: Bryan Nelson and Todd Rudoll.
Online condolences may be expressed at cuddiefh.com.
PAID OBITUARY 190583
