David Glen Nielsen

David Glen Nielsen passed away on May 23, 2023 at the age of 86, after a brief illness. He was born in Santa Cruz on December 24, 1936. He grew up in Watsonville and graduated from Watsonville High School in 1954. Shortly after graduation, he joined the US Navy and served four years on the aircraft carrier, USS Hancock, as part of the flight deck crew.

In 1960, David went to work for N-K Products Company in Santa Cruz, a firm that manufactured physical therapy equipment. He eventually purchased the company, successfully operating it for over 30 years with his wife. After a long and fruitful career, he sold the company and retired in 1999.

David married the love of his life, Lillian Jercich, on June 24, 1961. They settled in Aptos, where they raised their three children. He was an avid water skier and also enjoyed fishing at the family's summer home in Clear Lake. In his retirement, he and Lillian went on several cruises and fishing trips together; David also enjoyed golfing, spending time with his grandkids, as well as his daily walks down at Seacliff Beach. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and will be dearly missed. David is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lillian. He is also survived by his three children, Glen Nielsen (Karen), JoAnn Theilen (Glen), and David Nielsen (Julie). He is also survived by six grandchildren: Mason Pummill, Stephen, Hannah, Grace, Jake, and Nick Nielsen.

 Funeral services will be private, with entombment in Valley Catholic Cemetery in Watsonville.