David L. Nielson

David Leroy Nielson, 82, passed away on January 20, 2026, at the VA Hospital in Des Moines due to complications from Alzheimer’s. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines, Iowa, with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Entombment will follow at Resthaven Mausoleum.

Dave was born on December 6, 1943, in Richmond, California, to Clarence and Phyllis (Meyer) Nielson. Following Clarence’s Army service, the family settled in Coon Rapids, Iowa. After graduating from high school, Dave attended both the University of Oklahoma and the University of Iowa. He later entered the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany, serving as a cryptographer in a top-secret underground communications center. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Coon Rapids to work alongside his father at Nielson Brothers Trucking.

Dave married Mary Patricia (DuBay) Nielson on April 26, 1969, and together they raised their three daughters in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He worked as a salesman for the Nott Company for more than 25 years, covering the state of Iowa. Dave and Mary moved to Des Moines in 1994. For many years, Dave was an avid bicyclist and jogger, riding RAGBRAI each year. He also really enjoyed being outside, doing yard work, and planting.

Later, he returned to his trucking roots, driving specialized oversized loads for Cramer Construction until retiring at age 72.

Dave will be remembered as a proud and devoted father and grandfather who didn't missed a ball game, recital, or concert—always cheering from the stands.

Dave’s family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care he received from the staff at Senior Suites of Urbandale, as well as the dedicated medical teams at the VA clinics and hospitals. Your work truly makes a difference—thank you.

Dave is survived by his three daughters and five grandchildren, all of the Des Moines metro area: Elizabeth Schleisman and her son, Keaton; Nancy (Craig) Decker and their children, Hannah, Morgan, and Jake; and Andrea Burgess and her son, Brandon. He is also survived by his brother, Donald (Melissa) Nielson of Avoca, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Patricia (DuBay) Nielson, and his parents, Clarence and Phyllis Nielson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Des Moines or to your local veterans’ organization.