Robert J. “Bob” Nystul

Robert J. “Bob” Nystul of Port Washington went to heaven on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

He was born in Fargo, N.D., on Jan.23, 1948, to Vernon and LaVerne (nee Ulmer) Nystul.   

Bob married the love of his life, Kay Fergesen, on Feb. 12, 1977, and together they had two children.

Although Bob was only 76 years old when he died, he led a full and happy life. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed many hobbies, like music, photography, motorcycle riding and hunting.

After college at Moorehead State University in Minnesota, he studied music in Europe and played the cello. He decided not to teach music and went into insurance in Des Moines, Iowa, in the early 1970s.

He played rugby for the Des Moines Rugby Club, and it was after a game party that he met his wife Kay. They were married in 1977. They had their son in Des Moines before moving to Nebraska, where their daughter was born in 1983. They moved several times after that before moving to Wausau, Wis., in the late 1980s.

Bob worked for Church Mutual Insurance Co. in Merrill, Wis., as an underwriter for more than 20 years before retiring in 2010.

In 2017 he and Kay moved to Port Washington to be closer to family.

Much of their early married life was spent enjoying Bob’s family lake cottage outside of Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Bob loved to travel, and in 2005 he took the most memorable hunting trip to Africa, where he brought home many exotic trophies. He also took many fun reunion trips with his high school buddies, one of those being to Montana where fishing and golf were enjoyed. He also took a wonderful Canada fishing trip with his son and many trips with his fellow archers and hunters. In 2022, he and his family enjoyed a trip to Gulf Shores. It would be the last trip he would be able to take.

While living in Wausau, he was a long-time member of the Rib Mountain Bow Club and the Wausau Skeet and Trap Club. He volunteered for the Badger Special Olympics for many years and enjoyed teaching kids how to shoot archery.

Although he was in and out of the hospital numerous times from 2022 until the end, it didn’t stop him from enjoying other passions like gardening and brewing beer and making wine. He loved to share the fruits of his labors with family and neighbors.

At this time, music played an even bigger part of his life and he took up guitar playing. He set up several sound systems throughout the house to better enjoy his eclectic taste, as he liked everything from classical and hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s to jazz and marching bands.

He was often seen riding his red fat-tire bike or riding his lawn mower up and down his neighborhood sidewalks.

Bob loved to joke and tell stories. He knew so much about so many different things, and to know him was a gift.

Lastly, he so loved his children and four grandchildren. Even though he was taken from us way too soon, he will never be forgotten and will live on in our hearts forever.

Bob’s memory will be cherished by his devoted wife Kay; his children Nicholas (Michele) Nystul and Laurel (Eric) Thome; and grandchildren Carter, 6 ½ years, Miles, 5 years, Emmie, 5 years, and Bently, 3 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his maternal grandfather John Ulmer.

A time of gathering will take place at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, WI 53074, on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Sharon S. Richardson Hospice and the many physicians who cared for him throughout the years.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.