Barbara “Barb” J. Nestingen
Barbara “Barb” Jeanne Nestingen, 76, passed away March 9, 2025, at her home in Blair.
Barb was born April 15, 1948, to Nicholas and Bernadette Lemmer in Arcadia. She grew up in the little river town of Fountain City, where she was surrounded by relatives and friends. Many days were spent skipping stones on the Mississippi River and cooling off in its waters in the park or at the “sand dike”. Barb climbed the bluffs along the river, especially the “Big Rock” (Eagle Bluff) at least once every spring. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School in Fountain City, graduated from Cochrane-Fountain City High School in 1966, attended two years at Winona State University, and then attended school in the Twin Cities where she graduated with an associate degree as a Court Reporter. She worked as a Court Reporter for Trempealeau County at the Courthouse in Whitehall for her entire career.
In 1987, Barb was united in marriage to Keith Nestingen. They lived their lives together on the Nestingen farm in Blair, until the time of her death. Barb loved living in the country, watching the deer and turkeys in the fields beyond the house, and tending to her yard and flowers.
Barb was a loving, caring, compassionate person, to all her loved ones, friends and co-workers. She worried a lot about everyone. Barbara could be very serious yet also knew how to laugh and have fun.
Barb was also a passionate sports fan. She was able to express her love for sports through being a cheerleader all her years at C-FC high school. She was a diehard Green Bay Packers fan and a loyal fan of the Braves (while they were in Milwaukee), even making it to a game during their lame duck year when there were almost no fans in the stands. Together, Barb and Keith enjoyed attending the Wisconsin Badgers Men’s Basketball games and even followed the team all the way to the NCAA Championship game.
Barb was very committed to social justice causes, always staying up to date on political and current events.
Barbara had her share of bumps in the road. Her deafness, as a consequence of her cancer treatments, was devastating to her quality of life, yet, with the support of Keith, family, and friends, she continued to live an active, fulfilling life. She loved traveling domestically and internationally and eventually acquired dual citizenship in the US and Luxembourg.
Barb’s memory will forever be in the hearts of her husband, Keith; siblings: Kim Lemmer Asby and Nikki Lemmer Richmond; daughter, Jackie Doll; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; her beloved nieces and nephews; cousins; and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Joni, Roger, Jim, and Jerry; nephew, Taylor Richmond; and “the Aunts”, who were more like mothers to her while growing up.
A private service will be held for Barb. Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
