William “Bill” Nusse, 72, of Norwalk, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin surrounded by his family.
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and raised in Rahway, Bill carried his East Coast roots with him throughout his life. Over the years, he built a long and fulfilling career marked by dedication, leadership, and an easy sense of humor. He began his professional journey with Herman’s Sporting Goods as a salesman in Woodbridge, New Jersey, later serving as a store manager in Dallas, Texas, and then as a district manager in Atlanta, Georgia, overseeing stores throughout the surrounding areas. After moving to Wisconsin, Bill continued to put his strong work ethic to use at All American Lumber in Norwalk and later as a realtor with Community Realty, also in Norwalk. Most recently, he worked full-time for Intertek as an auditor, where his integrity and professionalism earned him great respect among colleagues and clients alike.
Bill found his greatest joy in life’s simple pleasures - casting a line on a quiet morning, heading into the woods for hunting season, tending to his garden, cooking a hearty meal, or spending time with his family and beloved pups. His hands were rarely still, always busy with a carpentry project or helping someone in need. Bill’s faith in God guided him daily, and his good-natured humor and kindness earned him friends all across the country. He was always good for a joke and a story, and his laughter will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Kay Nusse; his children, Brandon Nusse, Brittany (Jacob) Denton, and William “Billy” (Sarah) Nusse; and his cherished grandchildren, McKayla, Sarah, Jack, and Oliver Nusse, and Gavin, Noah, and Amelia Denton. He is also survived by his brothers Ronald “Ronnie” (Diane) Nusse and James “Jimmy” (Janice) Nusse, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Elsworth and Helen (Kuchta) Nusse, and Norbert and Rosella (Fiebig) Vieregge.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff of the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center ICU and Palliative Care Team for their unwavering support and compassion during this difficult time. Additional thanks go to Father Eric Berns, whose comfort and spiritual guidance provided great strength and peace to Bill and his family
Bill’s life was rich with love, laughter, and purpose, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta, WI. Father Eric Berns will officiate. Burial will follow in the St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery, rural Norwalk, WI.
Family and friends are invited for visitation Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Sparta. Visitation will also be held Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
