Shirley Nesemeier

Remembering Shirley Jean Nesemeier

Shirley Jean Nesemeier, 89, of Leonard, ND, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2024, at The Meadows on University in Fargo.

Born October 16, 1935, in Cando, ND, to Ben and Twila Hauschulz, Shirley lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication. She graduated as salutatorian from Rock Lake High School where she played in the 1951 state basketball tournament in Casselton, ND. She went on to study at Interstate Business College and then worked as a bookkeeper for Northwestern Bell in Fargo, where she was known for her sharp mind and steady hand.

In 1960, Shirley married Lamoin Nesemeier, at First United Methodist Church in Fargo. Together, they built a beautiful life—first on the family farm in Leonard, then in West Fargo, and eventually back in Leonard, where they settled into a home in town in 1970. Shirley returned to Northwestern Bell and retired in 1990.

Shirley and Lamoin were a team in every sense. They loved gardening, cheering on their kids and grandkids at sporting events, and dancing. Whether it was a waltz or a two-step, they moved through life with rhythm and joy.

She leaves behind a loving family: her children Mark (Mary) Nesemeier, Barbara Ellwein, and Todd (Joan) Nesemeier; grandchildren Nicole (Larry) Berg, Michael (Kim) Nesemeier, Amanda Nesemeier, Alex (April) Nesemeier, Ashleigh (Alex) Hein, Anthony (Shallyn) Fontana, and Carly Fontana; and great-grandchildren Landon Nesemeier, MarLee Berg, Brooklyn, Ty, and Everly Nesemeier, and Baier, Breck, and Austyn Fontana; siblings, Arlene Petterson, Rodney (Marleen) Hauschulz, Robert (Sharon) Hauschulz, Marlys Wahlert; brother-in-law, Jerry Pettit and sister-in-law, Susan Nesemeier; and 15 nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lamoin, sisters Janice Holland and Debra Pettit, brothers-in-law Larry Nesemeier, James Wahlert, James Petterson, George Holland, and her son- in-law Terry Ellwein.

She will be remembered for her warmth, her wit, and the way she made everyone feel like family.

Funeral: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 at 11 AM at West Funeral Home Chapel, Casselton, ND with visitation one hour prior.

Interment: Leonard Cemetery.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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