Paul Nesemeyer

Paul E. Nesemeyer, lifelong area farmer passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Manor Court in Freeport, IL. He was born October 26 1924, the son of Elmer and Belinda (Damman) Nesemeyer.

In his early years he delivered bread for Byers Bakery and helped take care of their trucks. During winter months he helped out at McCullough Implement store. They sold Minneapolis Moline tractors and thus his love of tractors and machinery was born. He was glad not to farm with horses anymore. He loved farming and all machinery. Gardening was a huge part of his life and making sauerkraut was a must every year. After retiring from farming, at age 89, he made birdhouses and did other woodworking projects. Going to the coffee shop to catch up on the latest news was fun.

On January 1, 1944 he married Ruth Merchant in Freeport. She passed away October 4, 2008. They started farming together on Becker School Road in rural Freeport before moving to Baileyville in 1949.

He was a member of Florence Methodist Church and the Farm Bureau.

He is survived by two children, Diane Johnson, Freeport, IL and Ron (Jane) Nesemeyer of Lenexa, KS. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Tiffany (Vaughn) Stamm of Roscoe, IL and Kimberly (Steve) Holste of Freeport, IL. There are three great grandchildren, Sierra Stamm, Collin Holste and Hannah Holste. Paul is also survived by one sister, Jane Theviot of Florida.

He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, one brother, and son-in-law Rich Johnson.

Services will be 12:00 P.M. Friday September 19, 2025 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, IL. A visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in Paul’s memory.