Mr. David Milton Nestander

David Milton Nestander

August 28, 1941 - April 27, 2023

David was born in Manistique, MI to Rev. Palmer S. and Florence (Westerberg) Nestander. Thereafter, his family moved to Chicago, where, as a young boy, he began learning to play the piano and organ (from his future sister-in-law, Linnea Larson.)  He gave his first public piano recital from memory in the 8th grade.  As a pastor’s family, they continued to move and he graduated from high school in Ludington, MI.  He enjoyed summertime at the family cottage at Lake Gulliver in the Upper Peninsula.

In 1963, he received his bachelor’s degree from Augustana College, in Rock Island, IL where he majored in business administration and minored in organ and piano.  He taught 5th grade in Princeton, IL and then moved to Peoria, IL where he was a school librarian.  He continued his love of literacy by taking library courses at Illinois State Univ., and Western Illinois Univ. and received his master’s degree in elementary education from Bradley University.  For several years, he taught kindergarten, and eventually became a full time antique dealer in Morton, IL. 

During high school, David and his father started a business, The Organique, which entailed repairing and restoring antique reed organs.  Since 1971, he carried on this business, as reed organs were quite plentiful and expensive at the time. For over 30 years, he worked on nearly 100 organs, including small portable “field” organs that traveling preachers used, parlor models, chapel and school organs, and large “2 manual with pedal” church models.

Along with the organ business, David ran a large antique shop in Peoria, IL for about 17 years.  Prior to the past 7 years, he continued to own and operate his antique and organ business in Altona, IL.

Throughout his life, sharing his skilled musical talent was continuous.  He filled sanctuaries with music, employed at many churches as organist. He often played the piano for gatherings and pleasure, right up until he passed.  His broad musical interests spanned across classical, sacred, show tunes and jazz.  He was a lifelong champion of history and preservation and cherished his Scandinavian heritage.  Other interests were stamp collecting, Norwegian rosemaling, playing board games, and his beloved dogs. His character of laughter and good humor brought joy to many.  He deeply appreciated his family, friends and later in life, his excellent caregivers at Allure of Lake Storey.

David is preceded in death by his parents, along with sister Elaine Nestander Brolander and brother Wayne William Nestander. He is survived by nieces & nephews: Ann Nestander, Ben Nestander, Sheryl Brolander Johnson and Randall Brolander, along with their families.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 26, 2023, at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg, followed by a Celebration of Life reception at 2:00 pm at Allure of Lake Storey, Galesburg.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

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