Laurel Marie Nessinger

She was a fisherman. She was an outdoorsman. She was generous beyond all the norms. She was the CEO of the family and we will miss her terribly. Most importantly, she was a Christian who was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Algoma, Wisconsin where she was a member.Laurel Marie Nessinger (WaWa) died unexpectedly, Sunday March 20, 2016. After surviving an illness (whooping cough) in infancy that altered her entire life, Laurel died from choking. While many would have died from her illnesses that plagued her throughout her life, Laurel not only lived into her late 60s, she thrived and controlled her surroundings with skills lacking in many leaders. And she did it with love and commitment.She taught us that family, both genetic and extended, was first and foremost in life. She taught us that giving was more important than receiving. Laurel always had a gift for everyone she saw and would have given the shirt off her back if she did not have enough gifts in her stash to go around to reach every person she came in touch with. In my family, we have always been taught that keeping a candle in the window tells your neighbors and passing friends in need that your home was a safe haven where they were always welcome to stop for safety or perhaps just a hot cup of coffee and a round of chatting. In Laurel's world, her candle was her heart. You always knew where you stood with Laurel. She seemed to have an uncanny ability to distinguish between those she could trust and those she couldn't. And if she trusted you, you were rewarded with her pure love and friendship. Like a candle in the window, she always extended her invitation to friendship. Whether you accepted it or not was up to you. And if you did, you were always rewarded with a lifetime of chatting and love.On Laurel's second favorite day of the year (second only to Christmas), Laurel was born to Chester (Joe) and Betty Lou (Jorgenson) Nessinger on August 21st, 1947. She was "big sis" and aunt to Dale (Sally) Nessinger (Taylor, Gener, Sarah and Adam Hasenfus), Vonnie Nessinger (mother of John (Joni), Michael and Jason (Jessica) Nessinger), Dan (Kathy) Nessinger ( Shannon and Sierra), and Robert (Judy) Nessinger (Eric (Brittany) Gromek and Allison (Mike) Gromek Chamberlain). Her nieces and nephews were very important to her and also include grand-nephews, Tyler, Colby, McKensie and Dalton (all pallbearers) and Michael, Cole and Mason Nessinger. Her grand nieces are Bailee, Jasmin, Emily and Natalie. Laurel was preceded in death by her dad, Chester Nessinger and her nephew Michael Nessinger.Laurel's Godmothers were Lorraine Wessel and Dorothy Nessinger and her Godfather was Melvin Nessinger. She also had a wonderful pal, Lloyd Kane. She has many friends at Ridge Point/Compass Development where she has lived for the past three years. Prior to that, she enjoyed her life in a beautiful apartment in Green Bay.Laurel loved family get-togethers. Friends and family are invited to join her family for her final celebration on Wednesday, March 23rd at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Algoma from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at 11 am with Rev John Moll officiating. Burial in the church cemetery. We would like to thank Ridge Point and Compass Development, St. Vincent's Hospital, Laurie Schinderle, and Pastors Moll and Moldenhauer from St. Paul's for all they have done for our family and Laurel in this very difficult time.In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Algoma.The SCHINDERLE FUNERAL HOME assisted the family with arrangements.Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.schinderle.com

Visitation

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
406 4th Street Algoma 54201, United States

Service

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 11:00 AM
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
406 4th Street Algoma 54201, United States

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