Tom Nesselhauf, 68, of Festus, Missouri and Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away on June 4, 2022, at home, in peace while holding his wife’s hand. 

Tom was born December 4, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Elmer and Genevieve (Poff) Nesselhauf. He married Deborah S. Kendall on May 23, 1981, at Boonslick State Park. 

His parents, Elmer and Genevieve Nesselhauf, father and mother-in-law Melvin and Virginia Kendall, brother George (Jackie) Nesselhauf, brother-in-law John Schneider, sister-in-law Gene Nesselhauf, sister-in-law Carol (Richard) Wolfe, sister-in-law Susan Kendall, and brother-in-law David Pryor preceded him in death. 

Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Deb, and his children, Jessica (Mike) Porter of Columbia, Nikki (Brian) Holdmeier of Union, and Kevin (Nicole) Nesselhauf of Edwardsville. Also surviving are his six grandchildren, Tyler, Adam, Madelyn, Emmy, Izzy, and Olly; two brothers, Elmer Nesselhauf, Bob (Kathy) Nesselhauf; three sisters, Gertrude Schneider, Nancy Nesselhauf, and Judy (Tony) Meyer, all of whom reside in South St. Louis; brothers-in-law Albert (Cheryl) Kendall of Neosho, Missouri, Greg Kendall of Portland, Oregon; sisters-in-law Patsy Pryor of Grandin, Missouri, Sharon (Mike) Chier of Maryland Heights, Missouri; and his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Tom graduated from McKinley High School in St. Louis in 1971. He attended Central Methodist College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1978. Tom received a master’s in education from Missouri Baptist University.

Tom spent 30 years teaching in the Fayette, Cuba, Hillsboro, and Festus school districts, retiring in 2008. Tom was a beloved part of the Festus High School community and loved his co-workers and students. Tom enjoyed learning and teaching American History and Current Events and was a passionate educator for his many students. His greatest professional joy was teaching students to expand their thinking, step out of their comfort zones, and challenge their own beliefs. He believed deeply that he could have an impact on every student and that each of his students could have a positive impact on the world. During his career, he played many different roles beyond his work in the classroom. He was a bus driver, track coach, the voice of the Cuba Wildcats and Festus Tigers, National Honor Society advisor, school trip organizer, MSTA representative, and athletic director.

Following his retirement, Tom and Deb moved to Bonita Springs, Florida, to spend much of their time enjoying the warm weather and many beautiful sunsets. Deb took loving care of Tom for many years and through all of his health challenges. He was madly in love with his sweetheart, whom he saw for the first time through a classroom window. Tom had an amazing sense of humor that he maintained until the very end. He was very proud and supportive of his children and all of their endeavors.

Tom was the beneficiary of two different kidney transplants. These transplants allowed Tom to extend his life, enjoy his retirement, and meet all of his grandchildren. He was happiest when he was with his family, especially his grandchildren, who all love their Grandpa so very much. 

A Donut and Ice Cream Party will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Program starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 18 at the Festus High School Gymnasium, 501 Westwind Dr, Festus, MO 63028. 

Memorial contributions may be made to The National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 (www.kidney.org) or to the Franklin County Foster Closet, 500 Clark Avenue, Suite H, Union, MO 63084.