Oct. 16, 2018 – Hartford, WI – Nellie M. Knusta “Cookie” (nee Nickel), age 76 of Hartford, Wisconsin passed away on Monday, October 15, 2018 at St. Luke’s Aurora Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. She was born on October 11, 1942 in Maloneton, Kentucky to Merle and Alma (nee Fetters) Nickel.
She served in the United States Marine Corp, then became a computer programmer and educator in computer science at Eau Claire technical college.
Nellie was also a drug and alcohol counselor for the Chippewa Falls school district and then managed the Rutledge Mansion in Chippewa Falls. After retirement she moved to Kentucky to care for her sister and be with her family.
Nellie returned to Hartford in 2013 and she was very involved with community events, especially the Lioness, volunteering at the library, socializing with her friends, and taking care of her animals.
She is survived by her loving children, Scott (Karen) Knusta of Hartford, WI and Todd (Heidi King) Knusta Eau Claire, WI; cherished grandchildren, Devon, Jonathan, Emily, and Alex; sister, Helen Slater; and daughter-in-law, Monica Knusta. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews, other loved relatives and friends.She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Brian; brother, Ray Nickel; and sisters, Lorretta Nickel, Delores Quisenberry, and Wanda Laack.
A memorial service for Nellie will be held Friday, October 19, 2018 at 6:00p.m. at the Shimon Funeral Home (824 Union Street Hartford, WI 53027) with Pastor Dean Stelow officiating. Family will greet relatives and friends on Friday at the funeral home from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Washington County Humane Society are appreciated.