David Nix

David Michael Nix, age 59, of Sun City, Arizona, formerly of Stevens Point, WI, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2016. David was born on December 23, 1956 at Parks Air Force Base, Pleasanton, California. He was the son of the late Asbury and Hazel (Sievwright) Nix. David was raised in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. As a middle kid in a family of 8 siblings, he somehow always claimed he was Mom's favorite. He attended St Stephen's Grade School, graduating from Pacelli High School (1975), and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (1981). As a young person, David helped in his father's business, DuBay Marina, Knowlton, WI. After completing college, employment with Sentry Insurance eventually led to moving to Arizona, where he was an insurance underwriter. He also worked over his career at Prudential Insurance, Progressive Insurance and FInova Financial, all in the Phoenix area. He made many lasting friends along the way. David married Mary Ann Peterson in 1994 in Phoenix. They later divorced. David was a unique individual and knew what he wanted such as always getting his birthday presents before Christmas presents. He liked to be the center of attention, and in first grade felt extremely honored to be asked to spout his keen knowledge of the state capitals to the upper classes. He enjoyed many activities with friends and family. To his many nieces and nephews, he was the mysterious Uncle Buck, who would come back to the Midwest for a whirlwind visit. He was also a meticulous record keeper who had every ticket stub for every event he ever attended. An avid car aficionado, he attended auto shows whenever possible and collected all his Car & Driver magazines. He was a lifelong fan of Wisconsin and Arizona sports teams. David loved playing black jack when he visited Las Vegas, and walking with his beloved dog, Sam on the golf course behind his house in Phoenix. Most of all, he loved his daughter, Marissa. David is survived by his daughter, Marissa Nix, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, and his former wife, Mary Ann Peterson, Chicopee, MA. Also surviving are his 7 siblings: Mary (Armando) Guzman, Holland, MI, Marjorie "Jan" Lutz, Stevens Point, WI, Kathleen Nix, Peoria, AZ, Dennis (Sondra) Nix, Big Pine Key, FL, James Nix, Sun City, AZ, Carole (David) Olson, Stevens Point, WI, and Elaine Nelson, Henderson, NV. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Peter Lutz. David will be cremated, with a private interment at a later date. A memorial gathering/luncheon for family and friends will be held on Tuesday Dec. 27, 2016 at 12 noon at The Market Street Diner, 110 Market Street in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. The family requests NO FLOWERS and suggests a donation to the Arizona Humane Society ( www.AZHumane.org ) or to Hospice of the Valley (www.HOV.org ) in Dave's memory. Thank you to Hospice of the Valley and Morning Glory Assisted Living. Thanks also to all Dave's friends who stayed in contact throughout the years and many of whom visited or left messages for David. "Memories, laughter, love... the treasures we keep forever," Final words, who knows? But Dave would certainly have had the last word, whatever it was.