David James Nilson , age 75, of Deer River, MN, passed away peacefully at home, after a courageous battle with leukemia on Friday, February 17, 2023, with his son by his side.

David was the youngest of 12 children born in 1948 to Emil and Laura Nilson of Annandale, MN. He graduated from Annandale High School and continued on to St. Cloud University, and then to University of Northern Colorado where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in education.

David took up the family business of Real Estate early on, until 2 vivid near-death experiences—one involving an armed hold up, and the other an enraged bull—encouraged him to venture out into the world and seek another path.  He hitchhiked from Minnesota to Colorado (a destination selected with a blindfold and a map) with $7 in his pocket and a bag on his back.  He lived there for 12 years, marrying Heidi Renate Gust and starting a family before returning to Minnesota and the fold of his Faith.  He made a house into a home in Deer River through the assistance of many loving family members, friends, and brothers and sisters in Faith. Later in life, David enjoyed feeding, photographing, and watching wildlife at his North Woods home, which he shared with his son Kai, daughter-in-law Betti, and grandchildren Brayden, Breann, Brooke, and Braddock.

His passions included Astronomy, Science, Natural & Political History, and speculating re: the whereabouts of his lost right arm, which he surmised may have been forgotten in the wild after he had a nice nap against a tree. He delighted in stargazing, anywhere, anytime, with anyone until his final days.

David was blessed with the capacity to bring out the best in so many of us. He always had a story, and an ear for one in exchange. He continually encouraged everyone he met to follow their dreams.  The day before he passed, he used his limited breath to ask his nurses: "What inspired you to do medicine?"—he was always cultivating; nurturing.  His wit, humor, and compassion will be missed by those who loved him.

David is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Heidi; brothers, Arvid, Paul, Harold, Roger and Stanley Nilson; and sister Elaine Engen. He is survived by his son, Kai (Betti); sisters, Alice (John) Wolfe, Floss Nilson, and Rosemary Nilson; brothers, Maynard (Betty) and Maurice (Jeanne) Nilson; his four grandchildren; and a host of brothers and sisters in faith.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 25, 2023, beginning at 11:30 AM and continuing until the 1:00 PM Funeral Service at Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church, 33589 County Road 89, Deer River, MN.