McFarland - David E. Nelson, age 53, is survived by his wife Carrie and children Elizabeth and Daisy, all currently of McFarland, Wis.

After his battle with anxiety and depression, David died by suicide on Friday, July 22, 2022. Everyone knows how much he loved his family and friends. Those closest to him also know the heroic effort he’s made over the last couple of years to stay with all of us for as long as he did.

David was born on June 18, 1969, in Menlo Park, N.J. He graduated from Hoover High School in Fresno, Calif. He received his undergraduate degree at California State University, Fresno; a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University, and a PhD in Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

David and Carrie were married on June 1, 1996, in Galesburg, Ill. Both Elizabeth and Daisy were born while David and Carrie were living in the Washington, DC area.

David was the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging. He previously worked for the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association. David co-founded the Mad City Story Slam and loved connecting with people through storytelling, stand-up comedy, and fiction writing.

In addition to his wife and children, David is survived by his father, Edward Nelson; sister, Lisa (Robb Kosky) Nelson; their children Matthew, Nathan, and Seth; mother-in-law, Kathleen Larson; brother-in-law, Michael (Erin) Larson; their children James and Jerome; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Nelson.

The family expects to have a small private service together early the week of July 31. A more inclusive and public Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Mental Health America (see donation link below). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420