Macklin Bradley Walsdorf Nesst was born on June 6, 1990 in Plymouth, Wisconsin to parents Mary Jo Walsdorf and Randall Nesst with the assistance of a wonderful family physician Dr. Mary Arenberg who cared for him until his death on the 2nd of September, 2017.

Mack's early years were nurtured by his big sister Briana, his grandparents Vivian and Marvin Nesst, Ruth and James Walsdorf, and cousins, Jessica, Christopher and Ryan. Aunts and uncles, Bob, Mike, Patti, Debbie and Cheryl Walsdorf with Robin, Russ and Cindy Nesst also exerted their loving influence. No one could slow Mack's momentum, moving from one adventure to another, especially when instigated by his cousins or friends like Danielle, Sam, Noel, Matt, Iggy, Kenny, Cooper or next-door accomplice Nic, AKA Niko.

Teachers in the Sheboygan Area School District provided the gentle, guiding foundation that led to a lifetime of educational pursuits in spite of the fact that he was not always the most dedicated student. These efforts to encourage Macklin's joy of lifelong learning were appreciated! His athletic skills developed with the support of dedicated YMCA teachers like Mike, Karen, Kara, Amy and Denice as well as Camp Y-Koda's Jeremiah.

There were countless others, including parents and coaches, who touched his life along the way.  It takes a caring community to raise a curious, fearless child into an adventuresome and caring man. Mack always had a circle of supportive adults that included Joanne, Patti, Dan, Lynn, Joe, Chris, Ron, Ed, Miss Debbie and many more. Mack, too, mentored and was admired by siblings Amanda, Brenne, Ethan, and Ceyla, and cousins Peter, Amanda, Ashley, Jessica Rae, Bill, Biyatta, Hannah, Dom, Stu, Hugh, young friends Jaidon & Kennedy, and also adult friends like Kevin, Kelsey, Alyssa, Travis, Erin, Ashley and Ron D.

After leaving high school, Macklin studied in Portland,OR, at Madison Area Technical College and then studied history, and geophysics at U.W. Madison. He truly loved geology, even talking to hikers about the rocks around them on his last day. Mack also loved animals, his own pets, Buddy, Fletcher and Carlie, as well those awaiting adoption at the Fetch Rescue in Madison. He would discuss, endlessly, topics like music, the latest science and history podcasts.  And in conversations, he often shared his love of national parks like Yellowstone or Glacier and described his love of Wisconsin's unique geology from the Niagra escarpment to the rocks formed of fire in Lake Superior or tumbled smooth on a Washington Island beach.

Mac had the rare gift of being intensely focused on you or your conversation. You knew he truly cared and wanted to understand. That is why he was such a delightful student and teacher. Macklin loved and was loved. Family and friends universally agree that he gave the best hugs. He would lock his arms around you until you thought he would never let go.

As a parent, when a child enters your life, you only want his or her happiness. On Mac's last day, we could see that happiness. Even though he couldn't wait to go to Devil's Lake, he didn't release us from his hug. We had to let him go! More than any other life achievement, Mack's hugs have locked him into our hearts. When you remember Mac, please share more than his passing, share this example of how he lived!
On Sunday, October 29, 2017 at  Camp Y-Koda, W3340 Sunset Rd, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085, we will celebrate his life.  All who knew him are welcome to visit with family and friends from 2pm until 3pm; 3pm - Memories shared.  Meal to follow. The day will continue with everyone in attendance, including their pets to use the facility and trails at Camp Y-Koda. In lieu of flowers, you can support his love for learning and the outdoors through a memorial gift in his name at Camp Y-Koda, 920-467-6882.