New Holstein- David R. Nelson Sr., 91, of New Holstein, WI, passed away peacefully on December 11th at Caring Hands Assisted Living.

Funeral Services will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (1724 Madison Street, New Holstein, WI, 53061) on Friday, December 27th at 11:00 AM with Father Alvan Amadi and Father Carl Diederichs officiating. Immediately preceding the service, there will be a presentation of military honors. A procession to Holy Rosary Cemetery will then follow where a cemetery service will also take place.

Visitation: Family and Friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday, December 27 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

David was born November 9, 1933, in Iola, WI, the son to the late Lester and Magda Nelson, Henry Johnson, step-father. He graduated from Scandinavia High School Class of 1952, and served in the US Army from 1956-1958.

David married the love of his life, Dorothy, on June 1, 1957, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lanark, WI, and later had six wonderful children.

David worked as a feed specialist at Land-O-Lakes, followed by running the Mt. Calvary Community Hall with his wife Dorothy. He also worked as a custodian at the New Holstein High School. His favorite job was being a greeter at Wal-Mart in Chilton, WI, where he would welcome the community and get "high fives" from the children.

David's passions involved spending time with his growing family. In his younger years he played baseball in Scandinavia, WI, which led him to pursue umpiring youth baseball for many years. He had an ear for country music and spent many years attending CUSA. He loved watching the Brewers, Packers, and the Bucks. He also enjoyed going to the casino, traveling, cooking, rummage sales, and going out to dinner. His favorite establishment of course was the Altona where he enjoyed the companionship of his friends and family.

David greeted everyone with a smile on his face while giving them his signature "thumbs up" as he would say "You found the place!" He enjoyed giving all the kids "high fives" while telling them "You're good". David was also so appreciative of all those who helped and supported him after his wife, Dorothy's, passing.

Surviving family members are his children, David Jr. (Lori) Nelson of New Holstein, Julie (Dean) Atkinson of New Holstein, Sherry (Jeff) Keifenheim of Mt. Calvary, Cindy (Tim) Schuler of Watertown, Mike (Sandy) Nelson of Green Bay; grandchildren Heather (Jared) Grapentine, Sara (Dan) Cardinal, Joey Nelson (Lindsey Special Friend), Trevin Nelson, Brittany (Chris) Brunning, Ethan (Emily) Schuler, Kane Keifenheim, Kyle Nelson (Autumn Special Friend), Zak Nelson (Liz Special Friend); great-grandchildren Eva, Emma, and Carter Cardinal, Avery and Lilly Brunning, Lyla Nelson, Nel Schuler, and Maya Grapentine; brother, Robert (Diane) Johnson, sister-in-law Diane Nelson, and brother-in-law Dick Soper. He is further survived by many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy; parents; brothers Norman, Russell, and Raymond; in-laws Eva and Harry Soper, Thomas, Francis "John", Harry Jr., James, Alice, and Julia Soper; son, Kevin Nelson; and granddaughter Sami Nelson.

In memory of David, we ask that you spend time with those you love. Memorials may be made in his name to a cause that speaks to your heart.

We would also like to especially thank Caring Hands Assisted Living and Calumet County Home Health/Hospice for all of the wonderful care and support they provided David over the past two years.

For further details, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.