David Glenn Nelson

David Glenn Nelson, 92, went home on October 1, 2023. He was born June 13, 1931, to Glenn and Edna (Hansen) Nelson. He married Herma Behrens on December 12, 1954, and had two children, William David Nelson and Rebecca Lee Nelson. They later divorced in 1962.

David married Alice in 1965 and they had two sons, Robert Glenn Nelson and Roger Allen Nelson. He later married Betty Kirkhart Gentry on October 15, 1984, and they remained married until her death on August 15, 2012. David spent his remaining years with his companion, Mary Lindsey.

David was employed in various jobs including truck driving, construction, and tools (and he had a gigantic collection to prove it). He loved his years spent working at the Collectamania.

David had many hobbies, but his love for antiques, auctions, and flea markets was at the top. He would never miss an opportunity to bid on anything. He enjoyed collecting John Deere tractors, McCoy vases and cookie jars, and smiley face logos. He also loved animals. His biggest weekly expense was bird seed. He loved his cats dearly and always had at least three or four at any given time.

He is survived by his children, William (Mary) Nelson, Rebecca Nelson Behrens, Robert (Penny) Nelson, Roger (Pam) Nelson, and stepson, Allan Kirkhart; grandchildren, Scott Torruella, Danielle Staiert, Travis (Brea), Shawn (fiancé Haalie), Glenn (Belinda), Brett (Jessica), Kurtis (Elise), Jeffrey, Adrea, Erin and Allison Nelson, Amy (Henry), Jay (Yvonne), Brandon (Tina), Andy (Tina), Joe (Sarah), Harley, Anna, and Mary Beth; 33 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren
He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Edna Nelson; sister, Doris (Dean) Hoag; sister, Clarice (Joe) Artzer; and brother, Tom Nelson.

Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

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