Dave Nelson

GARDNER—Gardner feels a little quieter. On Monday, March 16, 2026, David Stuart Nelson, 83, passed away peacefully at home in 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.
Dave leaves behind his wife and best friend, Joyce; his children, Michael (Tammy) Nelson, of Galesburg, IL; 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 sisters-in-law, Judy Folmar, of Peoria, IL and Renee Folmar, of Moore, OK as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He joins his parents, Bernard and Enola (Cumming) Nelson; in-laws, William P. and Lucille Folmar; brothers-in-law, William A Folmar and Patrick Folmar, and many other loved ones in peace. Dave leaves us with a legacy of patience, kindness, and a hint of mischief that will never be forgotten.
Friends are invited to gather and share stories at Dwight United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until his Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Rev. Gilbert Cedillo will officiate.
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. 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.
Cremation service and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory.