Dave Nelson

Gardner, Illinois, feels a little quieter today. On Monday, March 16, 2026, David Stuart Nelson, 83, passed away peacefully at home—the very house he grew up in.

Born in Streator in 1942 to Bernard Christian Nelson and Enola (Cumming) Nelson, Dave was a Gardner boy through and through. After graduating from GSW High School in 1960 and serving in the Illinois National Guard, he settled into the town he loved. On a crisp November day in 1969, he married Joyce Elaine Folmar at the Church of Hope, beginning a 56-year partnership defined by devotion and a shared sense of home.

Dave spent 38 years as a dedicated employee at Johnson & Johnson, but it was his "retirement job" that truly captured his heart. As a school bus driver, he wasn’t just transporting students; he was "Bus Driver Dave"—a friendly face and a steady presence for the kids in the community.

Those who knew Dave saw his love in the details. You could often find him in the driveway, meticulously washing and waxing his cars or perfectly manicuring the lawn. He had a lifelong passion for cars and boats, and a soft spot for the neighborhood kids who were constantly drawn to his easy humor and that famous, mischievous "knowing smile."

While Dave was a man of quiet strength—especially during his 13-year journey with Parkinson’s—his heart was loud when it came to his family. He took immense pride in his children, but nothing lit up his world quite like his grandchildren. Whether he was traveling to Puerto Vallarta with Joyce or relaxing at home with his loyal canine companion, Gunner, Dave found his greatest happiness in the people (and pups) he loved.

He leaves behind his wife and best friend, Joyce; his children, Michael (Tammy) Nelson of Galesburg, Illinois, Jon (Melissa) Nelson and Erin (Mike) Duffy both of Gardner; six grandchildren, Michael David (Madison Keyes) Nelson, Christian Lee, Marlana Ferrari, Kevin Ferrari, David Nelson and Noah Nelson; two great-grandchildren, Brody and Cadence Nelson; and his brother, Jim (Bonnie) Nelson. Two sister in laws, Judy Folmar of Peoria, Illinois and Renee Folmar of Moore, Oklahoma, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He joins his parents, Bernard and Enola (Cumming) Nelson in-laws, William P and Lucille Folmar, brother-in-laws, William A Folmar and Patrick Folmar and many loved ones in peace, leaving us with a legacy of patience, kindness, and a hint of mischief that will never be forgotten.

Services & Tributes

Friends are invited to gather and share stories at Dwight United Methodist Church on Saturday April 11. Visitation from 10 am to 11 am until his Celebration of Life at 11 am, with Rev. Gilbert Cedillo officiating.

Please send Memorial gifts to Dwight United Methodist Church, 701 S. Columbia Street, Dwight, IL 60420 or Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 in Joliet—two organizations that provided Dave with community and comfort.

We invite you to share your favorite "Bus Driver Dave" stories or photos at www.ReevesFuneral.com so we can keep his memory smiling.