David Ronald Nelson, 76, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus-Rochester.

He was born July 17, 1942, in Austin to Kenneth C. and Harriet M. (Yocom) Nelson. He grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School. After high school, David proudly served his country as a radioman in the U.S. Navy. After serving four years, he returned to Austin, where he began working at Hormel, later retiring in 1993. David married his long-time sweetheart, Beth (Skinner) Bodensteiner, on Feb. 7, 2015. David brought five children to this union, including Dana, Mike, Chris, Jenny and Erin. Beth brought one daughter, Kari. They spent nearly 30 years together. David was an avid golfer, fisherman and hunter. He loved to read and study history, music, dancing and going out with friends. He was a member of American Legion Post 91 and the Austin Eagles Lookout Aerie 703. His good nature and quick wit touched many lives. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Beth Nelson; his children, Dana Richert, Michael (Kristine) Hollund, Christine (Christopher) Heyda, Jennifer (Paul) Traxler, Erin (Matt) King and Kari (Scott) Erickson; 18 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Mark Skinner and Matt (Susan) Skinner; sisters in-law, Mary Ellen (John) Grega, Sarah (Scott) Carlson and Nora (Tom) Jude; and cousins, Julie (Charlie) Grudzinskas and Vanya Flusek.  David was the only child of Kenneth and Harriet Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, 2019, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Pastor David Simerson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service on Sunday at the funeral home. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Eagles Club in Austin immediately following the service. Interment will be held later this spring at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota. American Legion Post 91 will conduct military honors. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.