Wallace "Wally" Nesberg

Wallace "Wally" James Nesberg, 77, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan walked on Saturday, February 3, 2018 while in McLaren Hospital in Petoskey, Michigan. Wally was born on October 24, 1940 in Munising Michigan. He graduated from Newberry High School. He entered the U.S. Army and proudly served from 1959-1962. His time in Germany was extended due to the building of the Berlin Wall. Upon his return to the States, he entered and graduated from N.M.U. Technical College. He later met Gail Shaw. They married on November 23, 1968 in Lapeer, Michigan. They moved back to the Upper Peninsula in May 1970. In 1971, they bought property and built a home from the ground up, taking over a decade to complete this labor of love. During this time, Wally and Gail raised three daughters. Wally worked briefly at Timber Products and Hiawatha TV. In 1975, he was hired at the Pictured Rocks National Park Service where he worked until his retirement in 1999. He enjoyed his work and was in awe he would be paid to maintain this beautiful park. After Gail retired in 2006, they moved to Sault Ste. Marie where they continued to make more friends. Wally was the consummate U.P. outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, partridge, rabbit, but especially deer and in 1985 bagged a 227 lb. He taught his children to give thanks to Gitchee Manitou for providing for our family. He enjoyed fishing, camping, canoeing and would engage in all outdoor activities. Indoors, he was an avid card player and a cribbage aficionado who was blessed with many 29 hands. He was also a lifelong Packers fan and proud stockholder. Later in life, he enjoyed going to the casino, which became a favorite social activity. Throughout his entire life he has been blessed with a large and loving family. He had two sisters and two brothers, who grew up enjoying the outdoors. Throughout his long life, his sisters helped raise him and served as constant companions. When he was 28, he married Gail Shaw. They were married for over 49 years and raised three daughters - Sharon, Cheryl, and Nicole. With his new family, he passed along the love and caring he knew. He has six grandsons and when he spent time with them, he had the patience to show love and pass on his knowledge. Wally had a huge heart, big smile, and loved to laugh. One of his favorite activities was to have a few beers, share a few jokes, and spend time with numerous friends. He was strong, yet approachable, and a kind and loving human. When he loved, he gave all of himself. Wally is survived by wife Gail; sister Carol Strauser; daughters Sharon (Mike) Dodge and Nicole Nesberg (Jonathan Williams); grandsons Michael Hainstock (Beth Millner), Terry Hainstock, Austin Davis, Casey Thompson, William Nesberg and James Williams; and, many beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Those who walked on before Wally include parents Russell and Sadie (James) Nesberg; siblings Donald Nesberg, Russell Nesberg, and Pat Shortridge; daughter Cheryl Thompson; and, mother-in-law, Ellen Scott. Information for a memorial service will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please hug your family and reflect on a happy memory. If you desire to send a card, mail to Gail Nesberg, P.O. Box 164, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, 49783.

Tributes

Wallace "Wally" Nesberg

October 24, 1940 - February 3, 2018