Robert "Bob" Nistler

Robert “Bob” Norbert Nistler, age 90, passed away on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, in his home surrounded by family. Bob was born on March 26th, 1934, in Watkins, Minnesota to Clem and Matilda Nistler. 

He grew up on the farm learning the value of hard work and graduated high school from St. Boniface in Cold Spring, Minnesota. After graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Army in a missile battalion during the Korean War. He put himself through college and earned his bachelor's degree from Winona State University and master’s degree from St. Cloud State University. He started his career in Fallon, Nevada where he taught various subjects including science, history, and social studies and coached baseball, leading the team to a state championship title in 1966. He met Darlene M. Nistler that same year at a Fourth of July picnic in Jordan, Minnesota. In 1968, they married and moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota where they raised two daughters. He continued his career, spending 29 years teaching and coaching both baseball and basketball at Glenville High School.

Bob loved playing, coaching, and watching sports. Over the years, he enjoyed playing softball, bowling, fishing and golf. In addition to his coaching jobs, he was an active member of the Elks National Foundation where he was Youth Activity Director for 15 years. He was also very involved with American Legion baseball in many different roles including coaching the local Albert Lea team and volunteering at the State Tournament. He so enjoyed the games and friends there; he continued to volunteer his entire life. He recently learned the Division II Junior League champion will be awarded the Bob Nistler Championship trophy in honor of his years of service. What he loved most, however, was the lasting friendships he made with all the players, parents, coaches and volunteers over the years.

He was an avid Minnesota sports fan rooting for his favorite (yet sometimes disappointing) Minnesota Twins, Vikings and Gophers. Bob’s other favorite activities included golfing at light speed, spending winters in southern Texas with his beloved wife, Darlene, and shooting the breeze with friends and family. He was known for his quick wit and vast knowledge that made it almost impossible to beat him at trivia. Bob would never turn down a trip to the casino to test his luck, a morning coffee with the guys, a twinkie on a road trip with his family, or a chance to tell a good story. He was a lifelong Catholic and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Bob is survived by his two daughters, Noelle (Tony) Reif, and Melissa (Drew) Grahek; siblings, Norman (Delores), Willie (Joann), and Kathleen; grandchildren Nick (Jen) Grahek, Jack Grahek, Casey (Ella) Reif, and Olivia Reif; and great granddaughter Grace Grahek.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Darlene; his parents, and brothers Jerry, Austie, and Marley. 

Memorials will be donated to St. Theodore’s Catholic Church and American Legion Baseball.