Robert Nestingen

Robert Nestingen, 87, of La Crosse and formerly of Westby, died Monday, June 12, 2017. Bob was born in Westby, WI on July 11, 1929 to Mandley and Sena (Blihovde) Struxness. At the age of two Bobs parents were tragically killed when lightning struck the barn they were hanging tobacco in, killing them and a neighbor boy who was helping. This left seven children orphans. His dads sister and her husband Earl and Alida (Struxness) Nestingen raised Bob and later adopted him. He married Carol Ihle on July 3, 1955 at Westby Coon Prairie Church in Westby, WI. She preceded him in death on January 25, 1990. For many years he had a painting business. He later took over the farm when his dad retired. After retiring from farming he worked at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby for 13 years. Many of the residents from the nursing home spent an enjoyable day at his camper on Goose Island. On March 20, 1992 he married Mary (Kreutz) Holinka at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse. Bob loved the islands and spent many years as a seasonal camper at Goose Island and at South Padre Island in Texas in the winter. He also spent many hours at his stepsons cabin near Viroqua bird watching and gardening. Bob loved to make and eat lefse. He is survived by: his wife, Mary; his daughter, Nancy (Steve) Leer; his son, Monte (Greta) Nestingen of Westby; his stepson, Steve (Angie) Holinka of La Crosse; his step daughters: Nancy (Patrick) Servais of Plymouth, MN, and Jill (Terry) Wolf of La Crescent, MN; grandchildren: Nicole (Ben) Gald, Monica Haney, Heather Leer, Michelle Leer, Barret (Zhanna) Leer, and Stacy (Eric) Allen; six step grandchildren: Kate (Kat) Holinka, Tony (Kristy) Holinka, Sara (Patrick) Bette, Megan (Eddie) Tschumper, Rachel (Nic) Meyer, and Kevin Servais; great grandchildren: Maverick Deaver, Eli and Jocey Allen, Devyn, Daylin, Jayda Haney, Deston and Kirra Wisland, Sytara and Hunter Gald, Riley and Alison Roehl, and John and Elijah Leer; three step great grandchildren: Henry Holinka, and Nic and Jon Holinka-Wanner. Bob was preceded in death by: his birth parents and adopted parents; his first wife, Carol; his son, Lance; great grandchild, Keith Deaver; three sisters: Vivian Stefferud, Ethel Rude, and Luetta Strangstalien; three brothers: Stanley Struxness, Otis Struxness, and Blaine Struxness. A special thanks to Tri-State Ambulance, Shelby Fire Dept Rescue, and the 7th floor ICU at St. Francis Hospital, and to our great neighbors Rick and Gail Thomas. Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Friday, June 16, 2017 at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor Daniel Wollman will officiate with burial to follow in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 10am till the time of service at 11. In lieu of plants or flowers, memorial may be given to the Norseland Nursing Home, or to the Vang Lutheran Church. Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.