John Bernt Nesset, 83, of Centralia, went to be with his Lord, Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Serenity Care in Centralia. He was born in Devils Lake, N.D., July 2, 1934, to Ray and Alice (Anderson) Nesset.
John graduated from Everett High School in Everett, Wash., in 1952. He went directly into the United States Navy and served for two years. After serving in the Navy, he became a Washington State Trooper, with the Chehalis Detachment. His next employment was with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department, from which he retired at age 50 as a sergeant. Two days later, John became employed as a funeral director with Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary in Centralia.
During his years in law enforcement, he served as an Nation Rifle Association firearms instructor. John also competed in many shooting matches across the United States, winning multiple trophies and awards. He was an expert with guns and enjoyed his time buying, selling, trading and working on them.
After his retirement from Newell-Hoerling’s, John became a very active volunteer in the community at local public elementary schools and Centralia Christian School, as a member of the Centralia School Board; and with Twin Star Credit Union.
John had been a member of the Centralia Elks Lodge and most recently a member of the Centralia Nazarene Church.
He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 47 years, Kay; sons, John (Shan) Nesset, Duane (Heidi) Nesset, and Jeff (Olga) Nesset; stepdaughter, Gayle Roberts; sister, Ruth Holmquist; sister-in-law, Donna Trotter; four nephews; two nieces; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his stepson, Jay Roberts; and a nephew.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 30, 2018, at the Centralia Nazarene Church, 1119 W. First Street, Centralia, Wash.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Centralia Christian School.
Unending thanks to those who so lovingly cared for John during his last few months, Dr. McGill, Dr. Dang, Dr. Waggoner and Kim and Mike and the staff at Serenity Care.
