Duane “Dewey” R. Nesler
Tuesday, March 31, 1953
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Age:
70 years old
Private Family Service
Date: Saturday March 02, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Public Celebration of Life
Date: Saturday March 02, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Private Family Visitation
Date: Saturday March 02, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Tuesday, March 31, 1953
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Age:
70 years old
Tuesday, March 31, 1953
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Age:
70 years old
Duane “Dewey” R. Nesler
It is with heavy hearts that we share our sad news. Dewey Nesler, our beloved brother, father, husband, Papa, friend, and neighbor, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 24. After a few days of not feeling well, Dewey’s big heart just stopped beating. Our family is devastated and can’t imagine life without him.
Duane “Dewey” Robert Nesler was born on March 31, 1953, to Robert and Rosemary (McCabe) Nesler in Rochester, MN. The family moved to Eyota, MN in 1965 and Dewey graduated from Dover-Eyota High School in 1971. Dewey was a stand-out athlete in youth and high school sports, playing baseball, basketball, football, and golf and was named outstanding athlete of his senior class. Dewey went on to play football at Rochester State Junior College (now, RCTC) and Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN where he earned All-American honors and a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Following college, Dewey moved back to the Rochester area and starred on many recreational sports teams with his brothers and friends including Scissor Shack, Hollywood Lounge, North Star Bar, Eyota Merchants, Pizza Coop, Flury Auto-Body, BTS, Rochester Plumbing and Heating, Memorandums, East Side Inn, Nesler’s Bar and Nesler’s Crunch, CMS, and Mike Busch Insurance.
On a Saturday afternoon in March of 1982, Dewey met his one and only, Deb Marhoul, at the infamous Hollywood Lounge in Rochester and boy did his life change. Deb and Dewey married in 1984 at St. Francis Church in Rochester, MN, and were planning to celebrate their 40th Anniversary this September. They were blessed with two boys, Zach and Noah. Dewey loved coaching his boys in youth soccer, football, and baseball; they were the most important part of his life.
Dewey had a 30 year career with the Canadian Pacific Railroad, working as a welder and foreman. Following his retirement in 2014, Dewey was employed by Rochester Public Schools working with students with special needs. Outside of work, Dewey’s favorite hobbies involved following his favorite sports teams, especially the Minnesota Golden Gophers, gardening, and completing his daily sudoku and crossword puzzles.
Dewey was fortunate to have a large, warm, and close loving family. They lost both parents, Rosemary in 1975 and Bob in 1984, as well as a sister, Debra Jean, as an infant. He is survived by his four sisters, Diane (Murl) Miller of Rochester, Dolores (Roger) Bierbaum of Huxley, IA, Denise (Brad) Erichsen of Spring Valley, MN, Dawn (Dave) Lusk of Lino Lakes, MN, and two brothers Don Nesler of Rochester and Dave Nesler of Apple Valley, MN. He was a fun and loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Dewey had a close relationship with Deb’s parents; Dorothy, who passed away in 2020 and Clarence, who passed away in 1999. He was loved by Deb’s family, Eileen (Donnie) Kipp of Ossian, IA and Patty (Duane) Novak of Rochester, as well as their children and grandchildren.
Deb’s heart is broken and aching from this tremendous loss and he will be greatly missed by his son Zach and his wife Jenna (Schley) and their daughters Ellie (7) and Lyza (3) of Minneapolis, MN and son Noah and his daughter Avery (10) of Shoreview, MN and Noah’s partner Jill and her son, Parker.
Lovingly called “Papa”, Dewey was the kind of grandfather you dream of for your children. He spent many days and nights caring for his three special little girls. He loved to read to them, play games, teach them to garden, and never hesitated to change a diaper. Annual family summer vacations were a special highlight and leave behind many wonderful memories for Dewey’s family.
Dewey was a dedicated and faithful family man and friend. Dewey and Deb loved to have fun with their many friends, neighbors, and family members, but had the most fun when they were together road tripping across the country seeking out breweries and dive bars and meeting new people. Dewball, as many called him, was never known to turn down a cold beer.
Please join us on Saturday March 2, 2024, to celebrate the love and life of our Dewey. Following a private family visitation and service, we welcome you to the River Park Reception Hall at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN from 2-6pm. Bring your favorite memories of Dewey and help us honor this wonderful guy. Life will never be the same without him.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Duane “Dewey” R. Nesler has received the following condolences.
We will miss him, we loved him very much
Deb and family so shocked to hear about your loss my your faith see you through the grief and pain Rick and Diane Rivers
Deb, Zach, Noah and family, the shocking news of Dewey's passing seems so surreal. He had such a caring personality, friendly smile and was fun to be around. We consider our family lucky to have had the Nesler's part of our family with birthday, graduation, wedding and retirement parties. Sending our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Nesler family as you go through this difficult time. Sincerely, Kim and Marcia Kelly and family
Deb, Zack, Noah and families.
So sorry to hear of Dewey’s passing. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all.
My condolences to the Nesler Family. Duane was a childhood friend of mine and together we played youth football in Rochester. I've never forgotten his dedication to the team and his personal skill set that helped us win a city championship. Reading his obituary doesn't surprise me in the least as it pertains to his accomplishments. Rest in peace old friend, block for those in heaven that might need a little additional assistance.......
I was very sad to hear about Dewey's passing. I know that words alone will not relieve the pain. but prayer, patience, and time will help. You all have my sincere condolences for your loss. I think Dewey is with God and hope that God is with all of you.
Deb and family you have our deepest condolences in the loss of Dewey. I remember hiring Dewey to work with me on the railroad and treasure those times we spent on the steel gangs welding rails together until we went separate ways in our journeys. I know Dewey was well loved and that’s what we all want to remember are those good time’s together.
With our sympathy,
Duane and Patty Trosin
There are no words, just thoughts of love, memories and prayer to the Nesler family from the Sibley family...
Rest in peace Dewey! My heartfelt sympathy to the family!!
Connie Brewington
Rest in peace Dewey! My heartfelt sympathy to the family!!
Connie Brewington
Dear Deb, Zach, Noah, and family,
Mike and I and our family were shocked and saddened to hear of Dewey’s passing. He always greeted everyone with that big smile, and he so visibly enjoyed coaching his sons and their teammates. His love of family and friends was always evident. We hope the pain of this tremendous loss will be tempered with sweet memories of this wonderful man. Sending prayers and love.
Mike and Dorothy Paukert and family
What a shock. We're with you in spirit. Love you and your family.
Mike and I were so shocked to read about Dewey. Over the years our kids played baseball together and the families got to be great friends! The Nestlers were all of that! Memories that were great! Always fun, smiling and such a fun couple. Dewey will be missed by many! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families.
Mike and Mary Coleman
We are so very sorry for the loss of Dewey. Great memories of Tom and Dewey coaching our boys together, and the family vacation to The Black Hills. He was so loved by many. Our prayers are with all of you.
Dave, Don and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve such a great loss. I first got to know Dewey when he was one of the sophomore leaders my freshman year at RCTC. They were very tough on us rookies on the practice field and in the locker room but welcomed us to the program with open arms. I can’t speak for the rest of the freshman but I know that I appreciated it because it made me a better player and teammate. I’ve always thought of Dewey as a big Teddy Bear who always had time for a chat and made you feel good.
May God Bless the Nesler family.
Mike Baudoin (Bodie)
Deb and family - So very sorry to hear about Dewey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in all of the happy times that you shared together.
Dear Deb, Zach, Noah and Nesler family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Nesler families as you grieve such a great loss of Dewey. What a amazing man, a gentle giant who's life has touched many.
Deb the love of his life. They were such a Beautiful match for each other. So many great memories of the years of playing ball.
May the days and months ahead bring you some comfort and peace. As we honor and remember the great times with Dewey "Dewball".
He truly has earned his eternal reward.
Dear Deb, Zach and Noah: I’m so sorry to hear about Dewey! My deepest condolences to you and all of the family.
Paul Scanlon
Deb and family, I am so sorry to hear of Dewey’s passing. So young and so much to live for. May the Lord give you strength to carry on with your wonderful families.
God Bless,
Lil Bartholomew
Dear Deb, Zach, Noah, and family,
Mike and I and our family were shocked and saddened to hear of Dewey’s passing. He always greeted everyone with that big smile, and he so visibly enjoyed coaching his sons and their teammates. His love of family and friends was always evident. We hope the pain of this tremendous loss will be tempered with sweet memories of this wonderful man. Sending prayers and love.
Mike and Dorothy Paukert and family
We are so very sorry for the loss of Dewey. Great memories of Tom and Dewey coaching our boys together, and the family vacation to The Black Hills. He was so loved by many. Our prayers are with all of you.
Oh lord,our sympathies and prayers are with you Deb and families. Dew was a great friend and fo over the years. It’s a shame he didn’t get to enjoy retirement longer. But he knew how to live life at the fullest. He will be missed by many.????here’s to ya Dew.????????????????????
Deb, Zach, Noah and family,
We are so shocked and sad to hear of Dewey’s passing! He was such a kind and fun guy!
Unfortunately, we are unable to attend his celebration of life! Please know that we will be thinking and praying for you and his entire family during this difficult time!
With sympathy and love,
Greg and Kay
Deb, Zach,Noah,& family,
My heart is heavy for all of you.
Will be such a void.
We will pray for healing and strength.
Love, Kevin, Carolyn and family.
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, Deb, Zach and Noah. Dewey was an excellent neighbor and always so fun to be around. Thinking of you guys.
Sending my deepest condolences to the entire Nesler family! It sure will be tough to see Deb without Dewball!❤️
Dear Deb and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Dewey’s death. I haven’t seen much of him on recent years, but I have great fond memories of playing football and softball with him years ago. What a fun-loving and talented man!
I hope that in your time of grieving you are comforted by your faith and the countless cherished memories you have of this very good man.
Sending my deepest condolences to the entire Nesler family! It sure will be tough to see Deb without Dewball!❤️