Racine- David L. Nelson, 97, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Ascension All Saints.  He was a life-long resident of Racine.

He was born on August 3, 1926 to the late David and Dorothy (nee: Lawton) Nelson.

Dave joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Halford in the Pacific from 1943- 1946.

On January 19, 1949, Dave married Dorothy Marie Johnson. After 68 years of marriage, Dorothy passed away on November 15, 2017.

After his discharge from the Navy, Dave used the GI Bill to take flying lessons in Racine.  He was employed by Capitol Airlines and United Airlines as a pilot until his retirement in 1986.

Dave was a part of the local aviation community at Batten Field in Racine.  He flew his Piper J-3 Cub and Fairchild PT-23 to small airports in the area to meet other pilots and attended the yearly EAA convention in Oshkosh.   His family and friends were all welcome to go for rides to see Racine from the air.    He was also an avid competitive pistol shooter and pool player. 

He is survived by his children Ellen (Geoffrey) Zabrowski, Gordon (Tina) Nelson, David Nelson and Kenneth (Marcie) Nelson; grandchildren, Caryn Schwengel, Janet Zabrowski, Randy Nelson, Luke Nelson, Rory Nelson, Carter Nelson and great grandchildren, Hailey, John, Alex, Liam and Harper. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Thank you to the staff at St. Monica’s Assisted Living for their care.