January 2, 1941 – October 17, 2022
David Arthur Nuss, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force for over 30 years, passed away on Oct. 17, 2022, in Colorado Springs after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease, at the age of 81. The son of Arthur Ulysses Nuss and Anna Margaret Nuss, he grew up in Pennsylvania. He was born on Jan. 2, 1941, in Pottsville and graduated from Mercersburg Academy. He received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy and fell in love with Colorado. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1963. He went on to obtain his master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Arizona State University in the early 70’s. He served one tour in Vietnam. David’s career as an Air Force officer took him across the U.S. and around the world. He reached the rank of Colonel before retiring in 1990. His duty assignments included two assignments at Elmendorf Air Force Base which allowed him to pursue his love of fishing and hunting and became the long-time home for his family.
David married his first wife, Ella Murray, in Colorado in 1965 and together they had four children: Jennifer, David, Kevin, and Stephen. He married Carol Glancy in 1990 in Illinois and together they moved to Colorado Springs in 1994. David worked providing project and construction management on commercial and government building projects in Idaho and Colorado. He also taught engineering classes at Colorado Technical College. After semi-retiring from corporate engineering, David still worked with local Colorado builders on small housing and commercial projects providing structural engineering and other development services up until his death.
David was an avid outdoorsman and adventurer. He fished and hunted around the world. His trips took him to places like Belize, Peru, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. In South Africa he found a second home and spent several months a year for the last 15 years with close friends. He became a game breeder and enjoyed going on safari with friends and clients from across the world.
David was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer, and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his sons: David, Kevin and Stephen and their spouses. He is also survived by his sister, Kathie (Jerry) Siegman. He leaves behind two nephews and seven grandchildren.
A memorial service honoring the life of David will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at St. George’s Anglican Church in Colorado Springs. He will be interred at the U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery.
Steve Young
28 Oct 2022The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Col Nuss’ over 30 years of distinguished service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Everett Vaughn
1 Nov 2022David and I were classmates and friends. He will be missed.
Wilson Parma
1 Nov 2022My sincerest condolences to Dave’s family. He was a good friend and ally during our days at the Academy
Rev. Jerry Adinolfi, Col. USAF, Ret.
1 Nov 2022Gosh, what a loss but heaven’s gain. We were together in CS 15 for a time. He and I related through our medical challenges: him with his beloved daughter Jennifer and me with me late first wife Marsha. We were both Episcopal Christians and shared commonality through that lens as well. He was such an upbeat guy with a great sense of humor. We could connect without words. Dave left the proverbial woodpile a lot higher than he found it. We both loved the African continent, though different parts thereof. Thanks for everything good friend. You will be missed until we meet again.
Allen and Jeanne Nuss
1 Nov 2022May you Rest In Peace dear cousin and may your family be proud of your accomplishments.
Jeff & Holly Seim
2 Nov 2022So sorry to hear of COL Dave’s passing. He was a distinguished member of our Rocky Mtn Vintager organization and loved to shoot Side by Side shotgun’s with us. He will be missed by all of us. Condolences to his family. May he RIP.
His SouthAfrican Family
2 Nov 2022Colonel David A Nuss
A man greatly admired for his zest for life and determination to carry on under the most adverse circumstances.
Your quick wit, tales and poems were always a delight. We looked forward to the new poem ‘additions’ which were read to and enjoyed by all.
The many talents that were shared amongst us will always be remembered, the long discussions ranging from politics, religion, sport, geography, science and maths were enlightening and challenging.
Most of all, your relentless drive to continue learning and teaching is a remarkable feat.
Colonel, we are privileged to have known you and spent quality time with you!
Many thanks from your South African family.
John Clegg, USAF, BSC, LtCol (Retired)
4 Apr 2023My condolences to David’s family. I first met David in Colorado Springs in 1976 when I replaced him at Petersen AFB. The second time our career paths crossed was in Alaska In 1986 we had to investigate a radar overexposure to 8 men at Clear AFS. A great learning experience for me to work with David. A brilliant mind when working under pressure. He helped me resolve a conflict with my commander who wanted to courtmarshall me for doing my job. He was a great mentor and friend. I will miss him.