David Edward Nitzschke

David Edward “Dave” Nitzschke, age 84 of Garretson, SD and formerly of the McCook, SD - Sioux City, Iowa area entered eternal rest on Sunday morning May 31, 2026 at Palisade Healthcare in Garretson, SD.

There will be a visitation period with Dave's family on Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Elks Club on 101 Tri View Avenue, Sioux City, Iowa from 4-7:00 p.m. with a time of Sharing Memories at 6:00 p.m.  Arrangements are under the  direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington, NE.

Dave was born on October 4, 1941, in Remsen, Iowa, to Elmer and Florentine (Stoos) Nitzschke. He grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, where he attended Bishop Heelan Catholic High School. Following graduation, Dave attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree.

After completing his education, Dave returned to the Sioux City area and began a lifelong career dedicated to education and the service of young people. He was the proud father of three children: Kevin, Kerri, and Nicholas. Throughout his life, Dave's greatest passion was working with children and helping them reach their full potential.

Dave served as principal of McCook Elementary School in Jefferson, South Dakota, within the Jefferson Community School District. During his years there, he not only led the school but also coached numerous sports, positively impacting countless students both in the classroom and on the field. He later served as principal in Jackson, Nebraska, and concluded his distinguished career teaching at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City, Iowa.

Beyond his work in education, Dave enjoyed a full and active life. For many years, he was an avid handball player and treasured the friendships he built while traveling to tournaments and competitions. He also loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing and taking trips to the Black Hills with his son, Nicholas. Those adventures created memories that both father and son cherished throughout the years.

Retirement allowed Dave to pursue another passion - travel. He enjoyed exploring new places and experiencing different cultures around the world. One of his favorite journeys, and one he often spoke about with great pride and enthusiasm, was a trip to China that he shared with Nicholas. The experience left a lasting impression on him and remained one of his most treasured memories.

Outside of his career, Dave treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandson, Tylen, who brought him tremendous pride and joy.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Kerri (Shay Whittaker) Nitzschke - their children Payton and Luke of Canton, Connecticut; and his son, Nicholas Nitzschke, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his beloved grandson, Tylen Nitzschke of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his brother, Ron (Ann) Nitzschke; and his sister, Mary (Thomas) Lindblom, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, former students, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Florentine Nitzschke; his son, Kevin Nitzschke; his brothers, Elmer (Karen) Nitzschke, Dale (Linda) Nitzschke, and John Nitzschke; and his sisters, Shirley (Robert) McLaughlin, and Norma Jean Petersen.

Dave's legacy lives on through the countless students he inspired, the educators he mentored, and the family he loved deeply. He will be remembered for his dedication to education, his commitment to children, his quiet strength, and the positive influence he had on generations of young people.