MADISON/COTTAGE GROVE - Truman Paul Nienstedt, age 82, of McFarland, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024. He was born June 12, 1941, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, the son of Paul and Vivian (Gloe) Nienstedt, and brother of Brian Nienstedt.

Truman graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1959. He served active duty in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1965 and then with the Reserves until 1968. After his service he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He married Sherry (Marriott) Nienstedt August 21, 1976, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Truman worked as a microbiologist, retiring in 2006, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Truman was an avid fisherman and gardener. He kept the freezer well stocked with salmon from Lake Michigan. He maintained an enormous raspberry plot and many rows of vegetables. He was always eager to share his harvests with colleagues, neighbors, and friends. Truman was active in civic organizations and local government, for a time serving on the Cottage Grove Town Board, Ecumenical Housing Corporation Board, and Dane County Regional Planning Commission. He was a member of the American Legion and proud blood donor, tallying at least 433 donations with the American Red Cross.

Truman is survived by his three sons, Noah (Kacey) Nienstedt, Matthew Nienstedt, and Andrew (Tammi) Kim; two granddaughters, Jordan Kim and Sydney Kim; three grandsons, Dylan Kim, Mason Nienstedt, and Liam Nienstedt; girlfriend, Martha Loy; sister-in-law, Lynne (Don Green) Marriott; and brother-in-law, Mark Marriott. Also survived by cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and brother.

A funeral service will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, with the Rev. Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.

Please, no flowers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on Truman’s behalf to Wisconsin Public Radio/Television, the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, or your local food pantry.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Truman P. Nienstedt

June 12, 1941 - February 08, 2024

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