Tom Nesselhauf, 68, Festus
Tom Nesselhauf, 68, of Festus and Bonita Springs, Fla., died June 4, 2022, at his home. Mr. Nesselhauf was a 1971 McKinley High School graduate, and he earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Methodist College and a master’s degree in education from Missouri Baptist University. He spent 30 years teaching in the Fayette, Cuba, Hillsboro and Festus school districts, retiring in 2008. He especially enjoyed teaching American history and current events. During his career, he was a bus driver, track coach, the voice of the Cuba Wildcats and Festus Tigers, National Honor Society adviser, school trip organizer, MSTA representative and athletic director. Following his retirement, he and his wife moved to Bonita Springs, Fla. and enjoyed the warm weather and beautiful sunsets. He was happiest when he was with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his sense of humor. He had two kidney transplants. Born Dec. 4, 1953, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Genevieve (Poff) and Elmer Nesselhauf.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years: Deborah S. Kendall, whom he married in May 1981. He is also survived by three children: Jessica (Mike) Porter of Columbia, Nikki (Brian) Holdmeier of Union and Kevin (Nicole) Nesselhauf of Edwardsville; five siblings: Elmer Nesselhauf, Bob (Kathy) Nesselhauf, Gertrude Schneider, Nancy Nesselhauf and Judy (Tony) Meyer, all of south St. Louis; two brothers-in-law: Albert (Cheryl) Kendall of Neosho and Greg Kendall of Portland, Ore.; two sisters-in-law: Patsy Pryor of Grandin and Sharon (Mike) Chier of Maryland Heights; six grandchildren: Tyler, Adam, Madelyn, Emmy, Izzy and Olly; and many other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by a father- and mother-in-law: Melvin and Virginia Kendall; a brother: George (Jackie) Nesselhauf; two brothers-in-law: John Schneider and David Pryor; and three sisters-in-law: Gene Nesselhauf, Carol (Richard) Wolfe and Susan Kendall.
A doughnut and ice cream party will be held from 2 p.m. until a celebration of life program at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at the Festus High School gym, 501 Westwind Drive. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or to the Franklin County Foster Closet in Union. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral homes.