Julius "Julie" J. Nessel

Julius J (Julie) Nessel passed away peacefully in the care of Agrace Hospice at Four Winds
Manor nursing home in Verona Wisconsin on April 5th, 2024 at the age of 91.
Julie is survived by three sons; Mark of Madison, WI; Jonathan of Columbus OH; and Aaron
(Reni Dickman) of Evanston, IL; and six grandchildren; Addie and Rowan, Sam and Sofie, and
Gavi and Alexander.. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Sondra (Sandi) Nessel,
in February of 2023.
Julie received a Master’s degree in psychology from the New School for Social Research in 1959, and was the last surviving founder of the Clubhouse method of Psychosocial rehabilitation, developed at
Fountain House in New York City.
Throughout his professional career in mental health Julie worked in leadership positions in
Clubhouse facilities in Chicago, Detroit, and Atlanta. Most recently, after moving to Madison WI
in 2017, Julie worked as a volunteer and board member for Yahara House in Madison.
He was a tireless champion for destigmatizing mental illness and was a lifelong advocate for
people that suffered from it.
Julie retired from his career as a mental health professional after ten years developing and
running a Clubhouse based program at Grady Hospital in Atlanta.
After retirement Julie and Sandi spent many years teaching religious school and tutoring Bar
and Bat Mitzvah candidates at The Temple in Atlanta.
In addition to a pioneering career in mental health Julie was an avid woodworker, photographer,
and cook.
A memorial service for Julie will take place on April 25th at 12:30 at Temple Beth El in Madison,
WI at 2702 Arbor Drive. The service will also be livestreamed on the temple’s YouTube channel
at http://www.tinyurl.com/TBEYTLivestream
In lieu of flowers contributions in Julie’s name can be made to Yahara House in Madison at
https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Yahara-House

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