Kim Neal Nofsinger, 66, of Norwalk, WI, passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, September 3, 2026, in his beautiful home, surrounded by the many memories, treasures, and artifacts that filled his life with meaning. A deeply creative and expressive soul, Kim lived—and ultimately left this world—on his own terms, doing it “his way.”
Kim was born, the eighth of nine children, outside of Norwalk, WI, April 13, 1960, to James and Merilyn (Shumate) Nofsinger. He graduated from Brookwood High School in 1978. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse.
He was a founding member and the Artistic Director of Shelter Repertory Dance Theatre. His choreography has been produced throughout the United States and abroad in China, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany and Austria. He held residency positions at Middle Tennessee State University, Ohio University, University of Minnesota - Duluth, State University of New York - Geneseo, Illinois State University, Winona State University and Connecticut College. Nofsinger held an MFA in Performance and Choreography from Arizona State University where he enjoyed the distinction of being the first graduate student to receive a grant from the Institute for Arts and Technology. In 2023, at age 63, Kim performed a 48-minute dance solo for the Minnesota Fringe Festival.
Locally, Kim worked as an integrated arts specialist at the School of Technology and the Arts within the La Crosse school district. At the Wisconsin Ballet Academy, he instructed yoga, creative movement, and dance technique. He directed the theatre & forensics programs at Brookwood, where he also coached cross country, track, and assisted with wrestling.
You may have jumped as high as you could for Kim, or learned those lines from Shakespeare that will live with you always. You may have danced the cha cha or mastered the tree pose under his instruction. You may have joined him at church, or discovered treasure at an antique store or an art gallery. Alvaro Calderon, Miguel Sanchez Sanchez, Daren Johnson, Heidi Maurhoff, Megan Beseth, Erin Rehberg, Kathy Oliver-Strong, Heidi Shill Clemmens, John & Barb Ornes, Deanna Rosier, Dawn Lindberg you meant so much to him.
Brookwood was so deeply rooted in Kim. Wearing the many hats that he did, Kim spent a great deal of his time at Brookwood, often arriving early in the morning before staff and students to get to work on a theatre or forensics project and leaving the building long after work hours in the evening after a full day of coaching, collaborating, and reflecting on his work. It’s evident that he was so invested in his work because he knew for whom he was doing it: the students. Not only did Kim want his students to succeed in their endeavors–whether they be academic, artistic, athletic, professional, or personal–he always encouraged and challenged them to go beyond the expected, as well. He inspired all of his students to approach their work, passions, and futures with heart and dedication. He modeled–for both students and staff–what it meant to live a life serving others.
Kim was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Tomah where he brought his passion and faith together. Committed to his understanding of God’s abundant and inclusive love for all, he helped reimagine what welcome, acceptance and belonging looks like in the church. He directed several readings of The Laramie Project, he initiated Companionship Sunday (a worship centered around tables, sharing bread and a story), he was a leader in Pride Sunday, Juneteenth, Red Dress observance and so many other activities that widened understanding of inclusion and acceptance. His faith, leadership, service, initiative and creativity will be greatly missed.
Kim is survived by his siblings, Lauren Nofsinger, Dennis (Julie) Nofsinger, Merna Nofsinger, Scott (Cindy) Nofsinger, Ruby Cook, and Brice (Judy) Nofsinger; sister-in-law, Gloria Nofsinger; along with many wonderful nieces, nephews; Kim is also survived by his cherished friends, the keepers of so many stories, Gina, Loralee, Dawn, and by the many, many other dear friends who held a special place in his heart.
Kim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Merilyn; his sister, Amy and husband Norm Kowitz; brother, Ray “Razor” Nofsinger; nieces and nephews, James “Cricket” Nofsinger, Lee Kowitz, Karen Nofsinger, Michelle Nofsinger, Carla Kowitz and and Breanna Nofsinger; brother-in-law, Don Cook; sister-in-law, Karen Nofsinger.
Kim’s funeral will be his final curtain call, a fitting farewell for a man whose life was so deeply woven into the theater. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 4 p.m. at the Brookwood High School Performing Arts Center, 28861 State HWY 131, Ontario, WI. Dawn Lindberg will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Coffee and coffeecake will be served after the funeral in the high school cafeteria.
Those who are unable to attend Kim’s final curtain call in person are invited to watch the service via livestream on our website, www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com, or on our FB page.
Memorials may be made in Kim’s name to Brookwood’s theatre program, activity fund, or forensics program, each of which was very dear to him.
The Torkelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
