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