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Robert Nestlerode Obituary

Robert N. Nestlerode, beloved husband, father, and brother passed away on January 7, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. He was born in Denver, Colorado, August 3, 1951 the second of three children born to the late William A. Nestlerode, Sr. and Dorothy Dockstader Nestlerode. Bob graduated from Littleton High School in 1969 and received a congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy from Colorado. He graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science and entered the United States Naval Submarine Force. He commanded the USS Birmingham (SSN-695), Naval Submarine Base, New London, CT and Naval Submarine Training Center, Pacific. He earned his Master of Science in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego in 2003. He retired from Navy after thirty years of service in 2003. Upon moving to Colorado Springs, he embarked on his second career as an Air Force civilian at United States Northern Command (J3) at Peterson Air Force Base. He was active in his community through his involvement with Boy Scouts of America. He volunteered as the office assistant / webmaster for Church of the Good Shepherd, Episcopal of Colorado Springs and at the Episcopal Women's Thrift Shop. He also volunteered at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry in Colorado Springs. Bob is survived by his wife of 31 years, Christine D. (Case) Nestlerode of Montrose, Colorado; their children, Karl (Jennie) Nestlerode of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; Robert Nestlerode, Jr. of Norfolk, Virginia; Austin Nestlerode of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother, William Nestlerode, Jr. of Fort Collins, Colorado and sister, Eleanore Nestlerode of Pecos, New Mexico; as well as nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Visitation will take place Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs. Funeral service scheduled for 4:30 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2012 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Canon and Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, Colorado. Reception immediately following. Private burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Pikes Peak Council Service Center, 985 West Fillmore, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907 or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 North Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, Virginia 22203-1977.

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Published by The Gazette on Jan. 12, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Nestlerode

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May 21, 2012

Dear Nestlerode family,

I am sorry for your loss. I remember Capt. Nestlerode from when Karl and Robbie were in Boy Scouts with me. He was a good man and I am proud to have known him. May he rest in peace and his memories live on forever through his family, friends, and everyone else whose life he blessed by being in it.

Love,

James Doherty III

Ann Cady

April 29, 2012

Christine, I shall always remember Bob. You all made such a contribution to St. David's when you were there. May our precious Lord hold you and your family close during this time and know that we have you in our prayers. Ann Cady

Robin (Kerekes) Pierre

April 8, 2012

I met Bob in 1973 as part of the USNA and submarine family. We spent many good, fun times together in those early years. Though our lives went in different directions and we lost contact, I have never forgotten those memories. I want to share a particulary special memory...it was December 1977 and I was home with a newborn while my husband was at sea. Because I had a newborn, I had decided to forgo shopping for a live Christmas tree. Bob was very persistent in trying to talk me out of this decision. A couple days later, my doorbell rings and there stands Bob with the biggest smile and a Christmas tree in hand! Bob was truly a special person that I was blessed to have in my life those many years ago. Rest in peace, Bobabycakes.

Paul Jurcsak

February 3, 2012

Dear Christine and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. It was an honor to serve under Captain Nestlerode when he was Chief of Staff at COMSUBDEVRON TWELVE. Even more of an honor was to know the man and his devotion to family, friends, and the Navy. I was so happy that one of Katie's puppies went to your family and that "Duke" had the run of the SUBASE when the Captian had command of it. Captain Nestlerode will be dearly missed but his legacy will live on forever.
With Warm Aloha,
Paul

Mark Werner

January 25, 2012

Christine,
I just received word about Captain Nestlerode's death. I had been planning a visit in my mind for months; so the two of you could meet my wife and children. I wanted them to be able to put a face with someone who so positively influenced my life and gave so much to his beloved Navy.


Please once again accept my sincere gratitude for all that you and your family did for me. I am particularly thankful to you for allowing me to celebrate those Thanksgivings in Newport with you and your boys.
He was my mentor and friend. I will miss him.

Sincerely,

Mark Werner

Bradley Mittelsteadt MMC/SS Retired

January 23, 2012

To the Nestlerode Family. My deepest sympathy for your loss. I have fond memories of my Captain on the Birmingham. I served with him for 3 years as his Senior enlisted advisor in engineering. He taught me many valuable lessons and will be missed. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Pamela Thurlby

January 22, 2012

It was an honor to serve as Captain Nestlerode's ombudsman onboard USS Birmingham. I will forever cherish his friendship and the lesson's learned. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Captain.

Patrick Kelley

January 22, 2012

I served with Lieutenant Commander Nestlerode on the USS Ethan Allen Gold crew as an Auxiliaryman. He was one of the best Engineers I served with in my Naval career. As he sails into the next life, I hope that his family can take comfort in the knowledge that he will be remembered and missed by many.

Lee Ann Fadler

January 21, 2012

Christine, I was deeply saddened to hear about Bob. I remember how we helped each other when Uncle Wayne died. I hope you will find comfort in your sons and your friends. We love you all. Lee Ann Fadler

dave stoops

January 16, 2012

Captain Nestlerode,
Thank you for your dedicated service in one of the most elite and discriminating branch of the military. It takes a special man to qualify submarines, let alone command them. Your contributions to our freedom are very much appreciated. I grieve with your family and pray that God will help them with that grief.

Thank you again for your patriotism.

Dave EM2(SS)

John Eldridge

January 16, 2012

Family and Friends of Bob, We overlapped in 23rd company in 1970, at New London in 1978, in Hawaii in 1990, New London again in the 90s and crossed paths at NORTHCOM in 2004. A squash player of unique fame at USNA and a good friend throughout. For those closest to him, it is hard not to feel lonely, but you are not alone. God Bless Bob Nestlerode and God Bless America.

Kara & Phil McLaughlin

January 16, 2012

So sorry for your loss. Bob was amazingly supportive of me and my co-workers at Navy Relief when he was CO of the base. I will always remember his dedication to the sailors and their families. He was truly a standout in our own 26 years with the Navy and will not be forgotten. God bless his entire family at this time.

Dave & Sharlene White

January 15, 2012

Bob was not only a good friend, he was the calming voice of reason. He was the driving force, along with the priest, at our small mission church, making everyone feel like they were important, that they matter'd. He was certainly a man I would have been proud to serve with, and I've always looked at Bob as the commander that he was, fair,compassionate, understanding, and expecting results. We will surely miss Bob and his warmth, his humor; but, I'm certain he is happy, standing on the "bridge" with sun in his face and the wind at his back starting a new chapter at peace and under full sail. Both Sharlene and I wish you God's complete peace Bob, you have a special place in our hearts.

Chris Upton

January 13, 2012

I owe you a debt I can only repay by living well. Thank you for all you gave, all you were and all you stood for. The world is a darker place without you.

Alice Marston

January 13, 2012

May the peace which passes all understanding abide all the days of your life.

Bill Huesmann

January 13, 2012

Friend, Shipmate, Teacher & Mentor....Bob was all those things to me and more. Reflecting on a relationship that survived distance and time, Bob never failed to do what Bob did best -- be relevant. He was that and more to every life I ever knew he touched. And I'm sure he's doing it still -- in a new venue, perhaps...but still being Bob. Christine, family and friends; carry that memory forward...he's STILL relevant, and still a teacher, mentor, shipmate and friend. Fair winds and sail safe up there, my friend---we miss you.

Krista Keiter

January 13, 2012

Christine and Boys-
May you celebrate the journey of Bob's life. May God give you peace.

Wayne Upton

January 12, 2012

When you count your real friends, you find what a treasure they are. We will miss Bob more than than words can say. Our prayers are with you, Christine, and with the boys.

T P

January 12, 2012

Sailor, Rest Your Oar...

Jane Upton

January 12, 2012

Bob was truly one of the good guys, a caring and kind person with a sometimes wicked sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Susan Upton Eklund

January 12, 2012

Remembering Bob fondly. He was a great friend and like another brother. Praying for you and your family, Christine. Eternal light shine upon him.

Irene and Dareld Wissel

January 11, 2012

Dear Christine and Family. Hold on to your memories of Bob and your life together. You certainly had an eventful life in all your travels with the Navy! We are thinking of you and your family and know that Bob was so very proud of you all. May he rest in peace and may you be comforted by your friends and family. As your Grandma.Wissel always said, "they can't take your memories!" Love, Aunt Irene and Uncle Dareld

Marcia Ford

January 11, 2012

Bob was one of the kindest, most decent men I have ever known. Christine and the entire Nestlerode family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am confident, though, that Bob's legacy will live on in the character of his sons.

January 11, 2012

Dear Christine & Family,
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength and always remember how much you are cared about. Know that we, the Legendary Ladies, love and care about you.
Joyce Nelson - The Legendary Ladies

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