Glen Nesper

Glen Nesper, 71, died of a Parkinson’s-like illness on May 26, 2025 in Wausau.

Born on the Southside of Chicago, he spent his youth in Norridge, Ill. attending Divine Savior Grammar School and Ridgewood High School, which started him on the path of life-long learning, and where he was a distinguished athlete. Glen went on to take a bachelor’s at Ripon College and a master’s in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

His father’s and uncle’s service in WWII stimulated an abiding interest in law and military history. He left his most profound and enduring mark on the world in his enthusiastic, inspiring, and entertaining teaching at Lake Mills High School, St. John’s Academy, St. Peters Catholic School in Eagle River and the Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lake Tomahawk Middle School — where he often wore brightly colored gym shoes with dress pants and sports coat. His love of ice hockey manifest in his coaching of youth hockey at the Eagle River Recreation Association where he was ace coordinator and coach. 

Glen also shaped the character and lives of many hundreds of boys at nearby Camp Ojibwa as head counselor. When not in the gym, working around his beloved cabin, or reading, he loved nothing more than spending time fishing and hunting in Northern Ontario with his sons and their mother, Susan (Frerks) Nesper, she having passed away several years ago. He said that he never felt closer to God than when he was on a wilderness lake. 

Son of Edward and Irene (both deceased) he is survived by his sons Luke and Peter, sister Linda, all three currently living in Dallas, and brother Larry in Madison. He will remain in our hearts forever.

Donations in Glen’s honor can be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church, 1204 St. James Court, Madison on June 13 at 1 p.m. Visitation at noon.