David E. Nixon, 83 of Emmetsburg, died Wednesday, Jan. 18 at his home. A Celebration of Dave’s life will be held mid/late April, 2023 in Emmetsburg. Please check for date and time on martinmatticefuneralhome.com.
David E. Nixon, son of Clifford and Joy (Longe) Nixon was born Feb. 20, 1939 in Pender, Nebraska. Dave received his education and graduated from Dakota City High School in 1957. Following graduation, he attended Brown Institute in Minneapolis where he studied broadcasting. Upon completion of this program, Dave accepted his first position as a radio announcer in Scottsbluff, Nebraska at Station KOLT.
On Sept. 14, 1957, Dave was united in marriage to Connie Langford. They were blessed with three children and shared 21 years together.
After leaving Scottsbluff, Dave went to work for KMNS Radio in Siouxland and later began his career in television broadcasting as weatherman for KCAU Channel 9 in Sioux City. After a short time he went to St. Paul and returned to radio broadcasting, working for KDWB. After being asked to return to KCAU, Dave returned to Sioux City as news anchor for the T.V. station. Dave’s career then took him to WHO-TV in Des Moines and in 1980 he returned to Sioux City and took a position at KTIV. One of Dave’s most notable broadcasts was covering the United Airlines Flight 232 crash.
Dave and his family’s connection with Emmetsburg began as he started the annual tradition of emceeing the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Miss Shamrock Pageant in the early 1970s. Later he would meet Judy (Crowley) Brennan. Dave and Judy were married on Dec. 31, 1982.
Dave went on to develop a broadcasting program at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg and became the Dean. In 2003 Dave accepted a position as President of Monroe Community College in Michigan, where he remained until his retirement in 2013.
Dave was a promoter and a driven journalist. He not only sought out stories and information to share but he thrived on making a difference in the many communities in which he lived. Dave was a member of countless broadcasting organizations and in 1997 was awarded the Jack Shelley Excellence in Broadcasting Award, the highest honor awarded by the Iowa Broadcast News Association. He emceed the annual “Little Yellow Dog” auction each year sponsored by the Sioux City Journal. He was a member of the Rotary Club International and Kiwanis, volunteering in countless capacities. Dave was very instrumental in fundraising and development of the Smith Wellness Center.
In the late 1960s, Dave earned his private pilot’s license and had the joy of flying. He also enjoyed golfing and running, even training to run marathons. He completed that goal and had the opportunity to run in both the New York City and Boston Marathons.
Dave was a faithful and devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Emmetsburg where, as a lay minister, he led many Sunday worship services. He and Judy loved traveling domestically and internationally and both had great pride in their Irish heritage. They wintered in Texas and were volunteers for the Episcopal Texas Trinity Church serving on a Mission with Team Brownsville to provide food service for asylum seekers delayed at the border for legal entry into the U.S. There was no project too big or too small for Dave to take on as a challenge. He was always ready and willing. His enthusiasm and devotion will be missed by many organizations and individuals.
Dave passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023 at his home in Emmetsburg at the age of 83. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Joy Nixon; his wife, Judy on April 3, 2020; nephew, Karl Slagle; and niece, Ellen Slagle Christie.
He is survived by his children, Dave Nixon, Jr. (fiancé, Becky Griffin) of Wellman, Iowa, Rick Nixon of West Des Moines, and Leslee Maddy-Nixon of West Des Moines; their mother, Connie Nixon of West Des Moines; four granddaughters, Samantha Nixon, Logan Davis, Jade Davis, and Briyana Maddy; siblings, Sylvia “Tibie” Stinger of South Sioux City, Nebraska, Judy (Lloyd) Barker of South Sioux City, and Bill (Donna) Nixon of Springfield, South Dakota; sister-in-law, Maryanne (Charles) Slagle; nieces, Susan (Cary) Boyd and Peggy Slagle; as well as many friends and countless acquaintances.
A friend once told Dave…”Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
Arrangements were made by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg.
Condolences can be left at
www.martinmattice
funeralhome.com
