"I miss you so much my beautiful sister and best friend. I love you, your kids and grandkids forever. We miss you and thank you for everything you did for us. Your strength, courage, and humor keep us strong. We love you our precious Gretchen... forever. "
In loving memory of
Gretchen M. Nesler
October 2, 1949 - October 4, 2021
Gretchen Mae Nesler, 72, of Dover, died Monday morning, October 4, 2021 at her home in hospice care. Gretchen was born October 2, 1949 in Rochester to Fabian and Ethel (Kindt) McConnell. She graduated from Dover-Eyota High School in 1967. On April 12, 1969, Gretchen and Dave Nesler were married at Jacksonville, North Carolina. Gretchen and Dave returned to Dover to make their home. She had worked as a secretary and a Licensed Practical Nurse, before retiring from the US Post office in Rochester, following a 21-year career.
Gretchen enjoyed playing softball, fishing up north on family vacations, attending church and going for walks with friends. She most especially enjoyed spending time with grandkids and attending their sporting events.
Survivors include her husband, Dave, four children, Tony (Carey) Russell of Prior Lake, Shawn (Heidi) Nesler of Rochester, Greta Balas (Jason Kramer-significant other) of Dover and Molly Mitchell of Rochester, her ten grandchildren, Kaitlyn, John, Jake, Joseph, Christine, Jane, Maggie, William, Olivia and Sophia, siblings, Tony (Heather) McConnell, Becky (Mike) Mendyk, Vince (Shirley) McConnell and Sarah McConnell. Gretchen was preceded in death by a daughter, Jenny Nesler in 1996, her parents and a brother, Tim McConnell.
A private family Funeral Mass will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with the Reverend Tim Biren officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Dover. Please share a memory of Gretchen at her online guestbook, www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"Dave, family and siblings, I am so sorry for your loss. I haven?t seen Gretchen for several years but I truly enjoyed our chats when I did. She was always so sweet and kind. She had a great smile that made others smile too. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care"
"Nesler family, so very sorry for your loss. Hang in there. "
"Dave and family, We would like to extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of Gretchen. May she rest in peace in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."
"I have so many fun memories with Gretchen. Have been thinking about all the funny things that we did. Way to many to mention. Dave you and your whole family are in my prayers. RIP my friend!!!!"
"My deepest sympathy to the Nesler family, I am so blessed to have known her, I will treasure the laughing walks we went on, you are all in my thoughts and prayers ."
"My sincere sympathy to Gretchen?s family and keep all of you in my prayers during this difficult time. Rest In Peace dear Gretchen!"
"So sorry for your loss. Memories made, will keep Gretchen near you always."
"Our sincere sympathy to Gretchen\'s family. She was a friendly lady, and recently told me how she felt, when I sent a sympathy card , when her daughter died. God be with her, and may she rest in peace, Amen. Our love and prayers, Tom and Olivia Heim "
"My sympathies to Gretchen?s family. Her friendly face and silly comments will be missed by all who knew her. Dover has lost a good lady."
"My deepest sympathy to the Nesler family, Gretchen was always one that would make u smile and laugh; Gretchen will be missed but I will keep her in my thoughts and think of all the great times we had at bingo and with her family; great memories I?ll always remember and cherish"
"We\'re sorry to hear about your loss. We are so grateful we had the opportunity to meet Gretchen and spend a short time together during the Election last year. She had such wonderful energy and brought joy to everyone whose life she touched."
" Our deepest sympathy to you Dave and the entire Nesler family. Gretchen had a beautiful smile and great stories whenever we saw her. She always left us laughing and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. John and Sandy Hart "
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Gretchen always went out of her way to say hi and talk to you when she saw you. We are going to miss her smiling face around Dover. Rest in peace friend. "
"My sympathy to the Nesler family. Gretchen will be missed by all that had the pleasure to know her. Sandi"
"Travel safe Gretchen. I was honored to give you a lift to school on those cold Minnesota winter mornings. God bless you and family Dave. "
"God bless the Nesler family as they deal with this great loss. I worked with Gretchen and Shawn at the post office as well as Fabian and Ethel. I always admired each of them and it was a pleasure to know this family. Gretchen was a very strong woman with a wonderful sense of humor. She always brightened the work place and will be missed by all who knew her. "
"We are so sorry for your loss. Gretchen was such a nice neighbor! Sending our deepest sympathy to the entire family. "
"So sorry for your loss.. I remember Gretchen as always being so enthusiastic in life along with her smile. Hugs to all of you as you go through this emotional time.."
"So sorry to see this ..... may God bless her soul and hold you all in his arms and give you comfort thru this difficult time !! My sincere heartfelt thoughts for you all ~~~"
"I will never forget Gretchen. She always called me the Naughty Neighbor Boy! She was the best. My condolences to the Whole Family!"
"So sorry to hear this news. She was a nice gal. Deepest sympathy being sent to her family. Janell Dahl"