Aletia Ertle Nissen

Aletia Ertle (Berkemeier) Nissen, 66, of Lincoln, passed away at home on September 30, 2016 following a long battle with Alzheimers. • Aletia was born January 30,1950 to Robert and Amalia Berkemeier in Lincoln and grew up in Lincoln with her parents and sister Roberta. She graduated from Lincoln Northeast HS in 1968 and went on to the University of Nebraska ,graduating in 1972 with a degree in Education. She taught Physical Education in the Lincoln Public Schools and received her Masters in Education-in 1975. Her last 14 years were spent as an Elementary School Principal at Norwood Park Elementary and lastly at Hartley Elementary where she had attended grade school as a child. She loved working with children and her motto "What's best for kids" was evident throughout her career. In 1999 she was recognized as Region 1 Distinguished Principal of the Year by the Nebraska Elementary School Principals Association. Aletia was united in marriage to Leo Nissen on August 24th, 1989 at St Johns Lutheran Church in Kronborg, NE and they made their home in Lincoln. A mutual love for camping and bass fishing led them to participate in numerous team bass tournaments throughout the midwest. She loved running and participated in numerous marathon events, gardening, antiquing, her pets, and most of all her family and friends. Aletia is survived by her husband Leo, and step-sons Koan (Cassi) Nissen and their children Kallen, Leona, Clara and Soren of Lincoln, Jim Nissen of Port Richie, Florida, and sister Roberta (Rick) Bradley of Lincoln. Aletia is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Amalia Berkemeier and Nephew Chad Bradley.