“Horses have been good to me, so I’m going to be good to the horses.”

SUN PRAIRIE - Robert Duane "Bob" Nesson passed peacefully on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026, with Lisa, his wife of 26 years, holding his hand. Bob was born on February 9, 1937, in Madison, WI, the son of John and Ann (O'Connor) Nesson. Bob and Lisa (Weisensel) Nesson married on June 26, 1999, in Madison.

Early on, Bob chose a career working with horses. He was heavily influenced by his uncles, Paul Nikias and Joe Corcoran, learning to breed, train, and show American Saddlebreds. After he inherited Crest Haven Farm in Sun Prairie from his uncle Paul, Bob continued to work with American Saddlebreds, as well as Arabians and his beloved Hackney pony, Carnation’s Fashion Scandal. As a skilled horseman, Bob had a knack for teaming with his horse and became known for his ability to train a smooth racking gaited horse. Through his lesson program and ability to match riders with horses, he introduced many people to the American Saddlebred breed that are still involved to this day. Bob enjoyed decades long prominence in the industry, maintaining active memberships in the United Professional Horseman's Association, the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association, and the American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin. His years of dedication and expertise led to the high honor of being named the recipient of the American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.

Bob also pursued a love for woodworking throughout his life, creating various furniture pieces, beautiful cutting boards, a wide variety of birdhouses, in addition to many other projects. His workshop was his happy place, and he spent many peaceful hours there puttering away on projects, most noteworthy being a beautiful Grandfather clock, now a family heirloom. Many family and friends have pieces of his work they use and cherish.

Bob was known for his wit, mischievous sense of humor, kindness, gentleness, and generous spirit. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, cheering them on at hockey games, recitals and horse shows whenever he had the opportunity. He is deeply missed and will be remembered forever.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lisa; sons from his first marriage, John and Mark (Cyndi Henningfeld); grandson, Robert; granddaughters, Aubree and Savana; nephews, Craig (Millie) and Kurt (Patty); niece-in-law, Yong Mei; three great-nieces and a great-nephew; his mother-in-law, seven sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews in his wife’s family, and a passel of dogs (Bo, Dixie, Cheryl). He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ann; sister Lexi (Bill) and nephew, Eric.

A funeral service will be held at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 3416 Swansee Ridge, Sun Prairie, at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, with Father Mike Tess presiding. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

Memorials may be made to Wisconsin Large Animal Emergency Rescue (www.WLAER.org), Agrace HospiceCare or the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

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

Robert Duane "Bob" Nesson

February 09, 1937 - February 14, 2026

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