Michael David Nelson, 56, of Des Moines, and formerly of Grinnell, died on December 14, 2021, at Methodist One Hospital in Des Moines. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be designated to the family of Mike Nelson and mailed in c/o Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Mike was born on February 20, 1964, in Arizona, the son of Charles Richard and Mary Jeanette Bucannon Nelson. He was raised in Des Moines and was a 1982 graduate of Des Moines East High School. On June 3, 2000, he was united in marriage to Sharon Shine, in Grinnell. The couple lived in Grinnell and were the proud parents of three daughters, Jada, Samantha, and Stephanie. For many years, Mike was an independent semi-truck driver and his over-the-road hauling took him throughout the United States. Mike held a great love for his family; his girls and grandchildren were his biggest joys in life. He enjoyed arts & crafts, including wood burning engraving and working on any make of car. He was an avid coffee drinker; loved the color purple; and enjoyed watching news programs and classic TV reruns. Buddy, his cat, was a favorite of his. Survivors include three daughters, Jada (Alex) McCulley of Montezuma, Samantha (Jared) Myers of Oskaloosa, and Stephanie Campbell of San Antonia, Texas; his ex-wife, Sharon Nelson of Newton; one sister, Joann Shilling (Mark) of Oskaloosa; A niece Christine, nephew Josh of Des Moines and ten grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Lori.