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West Plains, MO Location (417) 256-4141

Thayer, MO Location (417) 264-7242

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Daniel Peter Nessling was born on April 3,1946 in Chicago, Illinois and departed this life on April 15, 2022 in West Plains, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 32 years, Janet Nessling, with whom he did everything; his children, Sarah Horton and husband Blake, Stephanie Nessling, Elizabeth Nessling, Danny Nessling and wife Stephanie, and Paulette Watne; his loving grandchildren, Kypton, Koltyn, and Annistyn Horton, Mark Vizza and several grandchildren; great grandchildren; his fond brothers, Michael and James Nessling; other relatives; and many friends..

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Elizabeth Nessling; and two brothers, William and Richard Nessling.

Dan was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He enjoyed going on cruises with his wife, supporting his daughters in every aspect of their lives, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was soldier in the US Marine Corp, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War.  Dan was also a retired detective for the Chicago Police Department. Dan obtained a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Lewis University and was an instructor at the Chicago Police Academy.

Dan had a huge heart, and took in many children over the years, whom he still loved like his own. He could make anyone laugh with his warm, welcoming spirit.

He moved to the country, after spending his life in the city, and finally found his home. Dan cherished his horses, his land, his motorcycle and the peacefulness the country brings.

Dan was brave, caring, strong, and loving. We will forever miss and love him.  

Funeral services for Daniel Peter Nessling, age 76, of West Plains, Missouri, will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Thayer, Missouri with Father Maurice Chukwukere officiating.

The family with receive friends on Thursday, April 21, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; or the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Fund (www.vvmf.org/giving-to-vvmf/).

Services are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

 

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14 Comments

  1. Daisey A Green
    April 18, 2022 @ 10:08 pm

    Sorry for your loss and sending up prayers for this family!

  2. Deanna Peterson
    April 18, 2022 @ 11:07 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss Jan,Sarah,Stephanie and Lizzie. My heart breaks for all of you. I was so shocked to hear the upsetting news. Danny will truly be missed. He has been such an important part of my family since I can remember. I will forever be grateful for everything he has done. And will never forget all of the times he has been there for my mom and me with my dads passing. And being there for me after moms passing. Always checked to make sure I was ok. He was like a second dad to me. I know words can’t help the pain you guys are feeling but know he will always be right with you as you go thru life. Just always think of the good times. It will help get you thru. If you guys need anything please call me. Love you guys. Rest In Peace Danny you will forever be missed and loved.

  3. Paul Whittenhall
    April 19, 2022 @ 9:37 am

    I worked with Dan in 011. He was an old type Cop. It was a pleasure to work with him. Paul Whittenhall.

  4. Jim Mitidiero
    April 20, 2022 @ 9:07 am

    I had the pleasure of working with Dan in Public Housing North. He was a great copper who taught me a lot in my new assignment. Rest in Peace Marine.

  5. Janet McCarthy
    April 20, 2022 @ 5:17 pm

    I had the pleasure of meeting Dan when he was promoted to detective and came to Area One Detective Division shortly thereafter. He always made me laugh and was a wonderful storyteller. We were all sad when he said he was retiring and moving to the country but he had the perfect reason — his family. What could be better than that! Prayers for Dan’s family although we know his spirit is alive in each of them.

  6. (Ms. Linda) Linda Morgan
    April 20, 2022 @ 5:42 pm

    I am so sorry for you loss. Always enjoyed our talks when he would come to my bus. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.

  7. Bill Kushner
    April 20, 2022 @ 8:05 pm

    I had the honor of working with Dan at the Chicago Police Academy. One of the finest people and best instructors I’ve ever worked with. Godspeed Danny!

    Bill Kushner. CPD(Retd)

  8. Mark Hawkins
    April 20, 2022 @ 9:05 pm

    You were a hell of a man, Danny. Proud to have worked the projects with you on the west side.
    RIP.

  9. Douglas MacArthur
    April 20, 2022 @ 10:06 pm

    A Marine and then a Chicago policeman.
    Both involved serving and protecting.
    His presence was always enjoyed at coffee after mas at Sacred Heart Church in Thayer. He was missed lately due to health issues but when he did show up a short time ago it was great to see him again.

    Condolences to wife Janet and his children and grandchildren.

    He will be missed !

  10. ~ ~
    April 21, 2022 @ 8:54 am

    Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. Dan will be remembered at the next Police Mass.

    In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: http://www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]

  11. John Nowakowski
    April 21, 2022 @ 9:27 am

    Jan and family, I was so saddened by Stephanie’s call. The call brought back many great memories of Dan and his family while we were Partners. Dan tried to be a “tough” guy but he was really a big hearted “softie”. My fondest memory will be our special ‘Friday’ lunches. I will always remember Dan as my friend, a good Police Officer and an even better family man.

  12. Sgt. Al P. (CPD, 018 ret.)
    April 21, 2022 @ 11:29 am

    Brother Dan,
    Thank you for the brotherhood, “on the job,” along with your service in the USMC on behalf of a grateful nation.
    Rest in Peace, fine sir, your work here is done.

  13. Shelby Bowers
    April 22, 2022 @ 10:00 pm

    So sorry Mrs. Janet. I just saw this. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

  14. Nona Cervenka
    August 2, 2022 @ 3:03 pm

    I had known Dan since 1973 when he was in my late husbands Police Recruit group. Yesterday I received by copy of the Retired Chicago Police Association newsletter and saw Daniel Nessling. My husband, Rich, passed away almost 9 years ago in 2013 and Dan did come to the wake for a fellow Marine. Over the years we were in touch and I know he was very happy with retired life in Missouri. To Janet and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Dan came across as gruff but was a sweetie underneath. My prayers are with you all.