David Nevins

David Nevins, age 60, of Rhinelander, passed away on November 20, 2023 at the Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff.

David was born June 14, 1963 to Raymond and Hildegard (Besecke) Nevins in Sheboygan. He graduated from Pecatonica High School in 1981. David earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University. On July 2, 1988, he married Sherry Slattery.

David began his career in higher education at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa in 1991 as the Director of Residence Life and Student Activities. In 2000, David began working at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he served as the Director of Campus Activities until his retirement in September of 2019. 

David supervised Campus Programming and Relations and mentored hundreds of student leaders. He was a Faculty Fellow, Advisor, and Renaissance Brother to Sigma Phi Epsilon, advisor to Golf Club, College Republicans, Student Senate and many other clubs over the years. So many students, colleagues, friends and organizations benefitted from David’s experience, wisdom, sense of humor and caring personality. One such organization was the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) where David volunteered. David’s passion for mentoring and guiding in the association was beyond compare. He was honored throughout the years with various awards including the Lifetime Membership Award. David had a passion for volunteering and community service outside of work as well. He was recognized by the Platteville Area Chamber of Commerce for his many contributions to the Platteville community. David volunteered as a Downhill Race Coordinator for the Illinois Winter Special Olympics and as a committee member and emcee for Northern Lakes Ducks Unlimited. Upon retirement, David stayed busy enjoying life on the lake in northern Wisconsin and working part-time as a courier for Aspirus Health.

David loved life and lived it unapologetically to the fullest. He spent his 60 short years spreading kindness, encouragement and pouring himself into everyone around him. He loved dogs and telling really bad dad jokes. David was a ringleader, parade planner, concert producer, tradition starter, community builder, opportunity provider, big thinker, perspective giver, intentional mentor, student developer, occasional instigator and smile maker. Above all David loved his wife Sherry and their son Scott fiercely.

David is survived by his wife, Sherry, his son, Scott, his sister Ruth (Dwight) Swenson, his three brothers John (Dorene) Nevins, Mark (Laura) Nevins and Paul (Alison) Nevins, numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for David will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at the Carlson Funeral Home and from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, December 1, 2023 at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 at noon at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church with Father Chris Kemp officiating. 

Memorial donations may be made to the David M. Nevins Student Leadership Scholarship: UW-Platteville Foundation - PO Box 254 - Platteville, WI 53818 - https://go.uwplatt.edu/davidmnevins. You may also leave your private condolences for the Nevins family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Nevins family.