David Lee Carlson

David Lee Carlson passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, in the presence of his family at his home in Papillion, Nebraska. He was 73 years old.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Don Carlson and Della Carlson; and his sisters, Gloria Scheer and Barb Williams.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Nancy Carlson; his children, David (Jaime) Carlson, Melissa Carlson, and Kaitlin (Aaron Butler) Carlson; grandchildren Clayton, Wyatt, Dylan, Brianna, and Elijah; great-granddaughter Kareena; brothers Don (Shareen) Carlson and Ken Carlson; sister Judy (Doug†) Dudas; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and people whose lives he touched along the way.

David was born on May 11, 1953, in Austin, Minnesota, to Don Carlson and Della Carlson. He grew up in Austin, where he spent his younger years running through the streets, making memories, getting into a little mischief, and developing the strong, independent spirit that would stay with him throughout his life.

At 16 years old, David moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where his life took a very important turn. It was there, at the Ranch Bowl, that he met Nancy - the woman who would become his wife and his partner for the next 52 years. Together, David and Nancy built a life and a family that meant everything to him.

David was a proud father to three children: David (Jaime), Melissa, and Kaitlin (Aaron Butler). He was also a loving grandfather to Clayton, Wyatt, Dylan, Brianna, and Elijah, and a proud great-grandfather to Kareena. His family was one of his greatest accomplishments and his greatest sources of joy.

David was known for many things, but perhaps most of all for his physical presence, his kindness, and his big heart. He could seemingly fix, lift, move, or build just about anything, and he was always willing to lend a hand. If someone needed help with yard work, had car trouble, needed something fixed, or simply needed someone to show up, David was there. He had away of helping people without expecting anything in return.

David was also known for being a little - or sometimes a lot - ornery. He had a great sense of humor and a personality that people remembered. He could give you a hard time, make you laugh, and then turn around and help you with whatever you needed. That combination of strength, kindness, humor, stubbornness, and a little bit of mischief made him uniquely David.

David had many things he enjoyed in life. He loved going to the casino and visiting Las Vegas, where he could enjoy the excitement, the lights, and maybe try his luck. He also had a special love for animals, and they seemed to know that he had a soft spot for them. And if you ever crossed paths with David, there was a good chance you left with a mint. He loved handing them out to just about everyone he came across - a small gesture that was simply another example of the way David liked to make people smile.

David leaves behind much more than memories. He leaves behind a family who loved him, stories that will be told for years, and countless reminders of the times he showed up when someone needed him. He leaves behind the laughter, the teasing, the helping hands, the mints, the casino stories, the memories of Las Vegas, and the love he had for his family, friends, and animals.

David may no longer be here to help fix the car, work in the yard, or give someone a hard time - but the love, laughter, and memories he gave his family and friends will remain.

And knowing David, wherever he is now, he's probably already found somebody who needs a little help - and giving them a hard time while he does it... along with a mint.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.