Dale Laverne Nestingen

Dale LaVerne Nestingen, 82, of Westby died Wednesday, January 4, 2012. Dale LaVerne Nestingen, 82, of Westby died Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby. He was born in Lutheran Hospital on July 28, 1929 to Mr. & Mrs. Ingar (Malla Ambrosen) Nestingen. He was the 7th child in the family. The family lived in Westby until Dale was six years old. He was baptized at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. The family moved to a farm between Coon Valley and Chaseburg, where they lived until Dale graduated from Westby High School in 1947. He was very active in the FFA. The family moved to a farm near Blair, Wis. where Dale farmed with his dad for two years. Following that, Dale went to college, first at UW Madison and then at UW River Falls, where he graduated in 1953 with a degree in Vocational Agricultural Education. In 1955 he received his masters degree in Ag Education from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. On June 21, 1952 Dale was married to Ruth Perrine in Blue Earth, Minn. Dale began his teaching career in 1953 in Amherst, Wis. where he taught Ag for five and a half years. From there he moved to Westby where he taught for 30 years. He was recognized as a top ag teacher, receiving many awards over the years. He had many students who received State Farmer and American Farmer awards from the FFA. Dale was the youngest teacher, at the time, to receive the Honorary American Farmer Degree. Dale was an active member of Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, serving as high school Sunday school teacher for many years; and serving on the church council as well. He also served as president of the congregation. He was active in the Westby Kiwanis Club for many years. He was a loving and kind husband and father and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was, however ready to see loved ones waiting for him in heaven. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; children: David (Carol) Nestingen of Milwaukee, Joy (Steve) First of Madison, Kathryn (Kevin) Hardie of Blair, Sarah Nestingen of Westby, Phillip (Lynn) Nestingen of Evergreen Colorado, and Carl (Regina) Nestingen of Des Moines, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Elaine Cordes of Seguin, Texas; sister-in-law, Edna Nestingen of Blair; brother-in-law, Robert Behanna of Seattle, Washington; sister-in-law, Polly (Glenn) Laughlin of Eagan, MN; brother-in-law, Glen (Sharon) Perrine of Blue Earth, MN; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Evangeline and Marlene; five brothers: Irvin, Myron, Donald, Joyce, and Wallace. Blessed be the memory of Dale L. Nestingen. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2012 at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor Julie Wollman will officiate with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street (Hwy 14 S.) in Westby. Friends may also call at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers and plants memorials may be made to Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, Vernon Memorial Hospice or Norse Fund. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.