Harold K. Nansel

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Harold K. Nansel, 95, Lincoln, passed away on October 22, 2022. He was born on a farm near Monroe, NE, on June 9, 1927, to Harry and Esther (Olson) Nansel.

He attended the first 10 years of school at Okay Community School and Monroe High School to attain graduation. Harold entered the U.S. Air Force in 1945. He was married to Bernice Wergin on November 4, 1945, at Sheppard Air Base, Wichita Falls, TX. Harold returned to Columbus, NE, on a career in manufacturing, which turned into a design career. He studied engineering via U.S. Mail. Harold was a resident of Waverly, NE, for 38 years, worshipping at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln, where he served on various boards and committees. He was a founding member of National Crane Corp., in Waverly, NE. Harold served as fireman and fire chief for a number of years. He was involved in various leadership roles for Cub and Boy Scouts and other civic activities. Bernice and Harold moved to Loveland, CO, in 2001. They were Laborers for Christ for 14 years, working on 25 projects.

Harold is survived by sons Jan of Loveland, Lon (Mari) of Lincoln, Loren (Avery) of Lincoln and Rory (Carol) of Woodstock, VA; daughters Lana (Bob) Keller of Lincoln, Colleen (Gary) Wright of Lincoln and foster son Toby (Sabrina) Boles of Humboldt, NE; 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 1/2 years, Bernice, daughters Deanna, Janiece, Cheryl and son Kerry.

Memorial Service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 4, 2022, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 510 S. 33rd St, Lincoln, NE.

Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Rosehill Cemetery, Waverly, NE. No visitation/Cremation.

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Services

November4

Memorial Services

10:00 am CST

Redeemer Lutheran Church

510 S. 33rd St, Lincoln, NE

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November 4, 2022

None of you know me, but I had to write a quick note to you. I first met Harold as he was scooting through my dad’s room at SLV. He had been in the courtyard, and he decided to take a shortcut back into the building. He warmly greeted me and introduced himself. My dad already knew him because the two of them would meet down the hall after breakfast. As my dad puts it, they’d “sit and talk until they ran out of things to talk about.” It was after my mom died that I found out those conversations often included a prayer offered by Harold. My dad has never been a “practicing Christian,” so this made my heart glad. After that first encounter, Harold and I would greet each other whenever we saw each other. It became my habit to stop by and chat with him whenever he was in the dining room. Harold was always sharp, and his concern for others (including my family and me) always impressed me. No matter how he was feeling, he always asked about me. We often found things in common which we could talk about. Most recently, he overheard me saying I had become a grandpa for the first time. He asked about my granddaughter and told me about a great-granddaughter who had been born recently. I miss Harold. My dad misses Harold. But we are both better for having known him. We pray that your family finds peace knowing that Harold is resting comfortably and happily in the arms of Jesus. Blessings and peace to your family!

– Dwight Thiemann (and Darrell, my dad)

November 1, 2022

I was 9 years old when I found God. I had no idea at the time he had helpers No sillies not like Santa, although the gifts of this man and this beautiful wonderful family seemed like it was like Christmas all year long. They say that sometimes a man has to go all the way to the end of the road in order for himself too find his way back home, well on that journey I had the Jedi master himself to guide me. Harold Keith Nansel was a father, grandfather, and husband, but to me he is and will always be my teacher and absolute best FRIEND I will ever know. Thank you Dad for loving this ol’ knuckle head (One of the best name’s he had for us). Your way was God’s way, and as for me and my house we to will serve the Lord. I will always remember the summer I got 11 merit badges at scout and the look you gave me carried me Tru countless journeys behind Enemy lines. I aspire to be the man you taught me to be. Love 💝 you dearly Good and faithful FRIEND. .

– Tobias Boles Nansel

October 31, 2022

My husband Carl Wergin was Bernice’s cousin. We have fond memories of both Harold and Bernice. We had many nice letters and phone conversations through the past almost ten years. We will treasure their kindness and Harold’s kindness toward us after Bernice left to be with the Lord. Condolences to the large Nansel family. We pray for your peace ☮️ and resolution of God’s Will for all of you as your father and mother would have wanted it to be. We are grateful for the connection we made and all we learned through Harold and Bernice. God Bless both of them and May they Rest In Peace ☮️

– Carl & Susan Wergin

October 31, 2022

Prayers to the family. Grew up with the Nansel kids but best memories are of his work while a city council member and of course as fire chief. Thank you, HKN, for leaving a mark on Waverly.

– Peggy Brown

October 31, 2022

Harold Keith Nansel remains The Champion in my life. He was known by many and in different aspects of his servant-leadership life and he was known by different names. Well before me, Dad told me, one name was “Zoom-Zoom” (Columbus mfg company where he worked early on in his life off the farm), My Mom – Bernice called him “HK”. As our Scout Master our Troop 76 called him “Harold-Knocka” with a camp song to go along with it: ”Harold-Knocka, he’s a pretty nice guy, everybody knows!” Daddy, Daddy-o, Papa, and Sir! (Especially when I was in trouble) were some of the other endearing names heard in our family relationship. Mostly I called him Dad. As my earthly father, Dad modeled his faith-life practice for me to better understand my loving Heavenly Father. He was a good Dad, a loving Dad, and the Disciplinarian in our Patriarchal family. He called me “son” and introduced me to God’s Son -The Anointed One, King Jesus of Nazareth. Dad nurtured me in love and discipline from the Word of God with Bible reading, prayers, and his best efforts. I remember quite well as a young lad, after I was moved downstairs to share with my three older brothers, Dad sat on the edge of my bed, said the nightly prayer “Now I lay me down to steep,,,,” and this time Dad asked me “Son, do you know Jesus, trust in Jesus, and love Jesus?” I answered, “I think so, but….” Dad then lead me in a prayer of repentance, asking Jesus for help and comfort thru the Holy Sprit to follow after Him. The loving embrace and unconditional acceptance of my Dad, my Heavenly Father, my King Jesus and the incredibly intimate fellowship with them in the Holy Spirit grew and grew and will never leave me. Oh, what a gracious loving man my triune God has given me in my Dad! “Behold what manor of love the Father has lavished on us! That we should be called Children of God.” 1John 1:3 I am forever grateful for God’s grace, mercy, patience, and love for placing me here (not some other time or space) with my Dad – Harold Keith Nansel. What’s more incredible is the ample faith-life evidence and assurance in The Living Word – King Jesus that I will soon be reunited with Dad in God’s full glory and majesty. Thank you Lord and thank you Dad for representing Him for me in your life!