David was born September 23, 1987 to Stephen and Lisa Nielsen, the oldest child in his family.

He held the position of eldest son and child with pride. He was a goofy kid, with a sense of humor and a big imagination. He was a cautious child who preferred reading books to rough and tumble play. He had a temper though, and spent a good part of his life working to overcome it. David moved a lot during his childhood but he made friends wherever he went. He always had a good attitude, no matter how tough life got. He loved his younger brothers and sisters and in adulthood became a dear friend and confidant to his parents as well.

David worked as an apprentice plumber at age 16. He learned a lot of building skills throughout his life but plumbing would be his main trade. After years of trade school he received his master plumbers license and started his own plumbing business.

David was a spiritual and religious person, even at a young age he loved learning about the gospel and this love never wavered. He went on a service mission at age 19 and absolutely loved the experience. While he was formally released from his mission, David never really stopped being on a mission, generously giving his time and energy in service to others. He was a proud American patriot who loved his country and knew his history. He was involved in local government and put his words into action whenever he could.

When David was 22, he experienced a traumatic brain injury that would change his life. He hit his head while on a job, causing a concussion. Unable to function, for the next six months he was withdrawn and lethargic. When he finally recovered he was a different person. He could sense others' emotions in a much more heightened way than before. Before his accident, he was very approachable and others found him easy to talk to. But afterward, David’s natural way with people was enhanced and amplified.

David married Maryann Johnson in 2011 and began the greatest achievement of his life, being a husband and father. David loved his children and devoted his entire life to that endeavor. He loved his family more than anything. In 2019 he had the opportunity to enter into plural marriage with Katherine Bradshaw and a year later with Diana Olschewski. There were challenges along the way, but David handled the ups and downs of family life with humor and kindness.

David had a big world. He had a big family, an even bigger circle of friends, and it extended beyond that. For David saw everyone as a potential friend. His love of the gospel was with him throughout and he did his best to embody the teachings of Jesus. He helped so many people in his humble way. People poured their hearts out to him, and he could hold it, offering comfort, advice and encouragement to any person in need.

David died on August 11, 2026 while working on a pipe in a maintenance room, He fell from a ladder and died on impact. He is preceded in death by both of his grandfathers Henry Naylor and Ivan Nielsen, several close cousins and many other extended family.

He leaves behind three wives, Maryann, Katherine and Diana, as well as 15 children, Josiah (12) Jeremiah (11) Galilee (9) Thatcher (8) Jackson (6) Solomon (6) Enoch (5) Asher (4) Chase (4) Mahonri (4) Elijah (2) Simeon (2) Lousia (1) and a baby girl and boy on the way.

To say David will leave a hole in the world, is an understatement. His absence will leave a crater, and a permanent scar. But he also leaves behind the beauty of a well lived life. He leaves behind the lasting impact on the people whose lives he touched. His spirit and influence will be felt like ripples in a pond, long after the stone is thrown. And to all who knew and cared for David, his words, his deeds and his love, will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 12 noon at the Malad Stake Center at 1250 N. 1100 W. Malad, Idaho. 

Viewings will be held Thursday evening from 6-9 p.m. in Bluffdale, Utah at 14242 S Loumis Pkwy, Bluffdale, UT 84065. Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Malad Stake Center. Saturday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Internment will be at 1490 N 5600 W. Malad. Idaho.