John L. Nussbaum

John L Nussbaum, 81, passed away on July 6, 2023, peacefully in his own bed with his daughter Amy and wife Sandy snuggled by his side.   John suffered for years with pulmonary fibrosis along with some heart issues.  He was born April 15, 1942, in Appleton to Lucille and Leonard Nussbaum.  He married his high school sweetheart, Sandy Hoersch on August 14, 1965.  Together, they had two wonderful children, daughter Amy and son David.

John was a 1960 graduate of Appleton West High School where he excelled in basketball, football, and golf.  He graduated magna cum laude from St. John’s University, Collegeville Minnesota in 1964.   His first job was at Mares Electronics in Appleton.   In 1970 he co -founded Com-tec , Inc and later co-founded Plexus in Neenah in 1979. 

John’s happy place was his cottage, Nature’s Nest, on Bass Lake north of Antigo.  There he always was in command of a new project.  Thankfully, he had his “up north” helpers to fulfill his endless projects.  His beautifully landscaped garden, his love of art and sculpture, and his videos of his and Sandy’s many travels kept him busy in his retirement years.

Most importantly, was his love of family and his eight wonderful grandchildren.  He always had a compassionate heart and quietly tried to financially help many individuals who needed a lift in their life.  He was feisty, a man of principle, trustworthy, driven, a leader, who didn’t like a lot of small talk or a lot of attention.  He loved the stock market, read three newspapers a day, and always believed in doing the right thing.

John is survived by his wife, Sandy, daughter Amy (John) Schubbe and their children Sam (special friend Mikayla), Charlie, and Lizzie, all of Appleton; son David (Nicole) and their children Reid, Wilson, Beckett, Reilly and Bridget of Cohasset, MA.  John is further survived by his siblings: Jim (Mary) Nussbaum of Denver Colorado, Joe Nussbaum of Sherwood, Jean (Jack) Relien, Jan (Dave) Holmes of Appleton; brother-in-law Bob (Katie) Hoersch; special friend David Everson, along with many very beloved nieces and nephews. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-law, Ed and Marge Hoersch, sister-in-law Marge (Bill) Springer.

John will be missed by so many people who were touched by his kindness, friendship, guidance, and generosity over the years.  A private family graveside service will be held.  If you wish to contribute to a memorial John’s memory, his favorite charities are The Boys and Girls Club of the Fox Valley, Harbor House, and Leaven of Appleton.  Our family would like to thank Dr. Mariano, Josh White, his Hospice caregivers, and Allen Kowaleski.

Rest in heavenly peace dear husband, Dad, and Grandpa. You had a life well lived and we love you and treasure all our memories of you.  We all apologize for ignoring your adamant request that your obituary be no longer than 8 inches, including your photo.  Sorry Sweetie!  We do love you.