Wayne E. Nehls, 80, of Juneau, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, June 20, 2016.
Wayne was born on Sept. 15, 1935 to Otto and Leona (Rupprecht) Nehls on his family’s farm in the township of Clyman. He attended grade school at St. John’s Lutheran School in Juneau and Juneau High School. After graduation he attended Milwaukee School of Engineering then enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 7, 1954 serving our country for two years during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on May 26, 1956 and then went to work at Dairyland in Juneau. Wayne also worked at John Deere Horicon Works, ASCS, surveying land, and as a postal employee at the Juneau Post Office for 31 1/2 years, walking 13 miles per day. Most people could tell the time of day when he delivered their mail. He retired June 24, 1994.
On June 25, 1960, he married his beloved wife Jean Faye Grulke of Juneau at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Juneau. Wayne and Jean had four daughters; Julie, Renee, Lisa and Sally.
Wayne enjoyed yearly fishing trips up north, road trips and their cottage on Rock River for over 40 years. He also enjoyed hunting, bowling, being a member of the Juneau Snow Marauders as well as the President of the club for 6 years. Wayne was a Supervisor for the Town of Oak Grove for 6 years.
Wayne was a member of the St. John’s Church Financial Committee, assisted with repairs at the school for several years and gladly served as an usher for over 55 years begining right after his confirmation and up until his recent diagnosis of a brain tumor.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife Jean, daughters Renee Tank of Tucson, AZ, and Sally (Robert) Mueller of Juneau, WI. Grandchildren Cassandra (Darrell) Mentch, Jefferson, WI; Jennifer (Joseph) Coombs, Juneau, WI; Riley and Kyle Mueller Juneau, WI. Great grandchildren Hunter, Maximus, Henry and Lilyana Mentch and Kaiden Coombs.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Leona Nehls; daughters Lisa Kolb and Julie Nehls; son-in-law Jonathan Tank; in-laws: Lester and Ruth Grulke; his brother and sister-in-law Norman and Nina Nehls; sister and brother-in-law Doris and Darwin Bremer; brother and sister-in-law Russell and Lorraine Nehls;
Visitation will be on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Juneau from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral at 2:30 pm. Rev. Paul Schupmann will officiate. Interment will take place at Juneau City Cemetery with graveside military honors conducted by the Juneau American Legion Post #15. Following the burial, a meal will be served in the church basement by St. John’s Ladies Aid.
The family of Wayne would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to all the staff with Rainbow Hospice Care, Johnson Creek, for their genuine compassion, respectfulness and friendliness.
A special thank you to his wonderful daughters Renee and Sally, son-in-law Bob and grandchildren Riley and Kyle for all their help and compassion in caring for their Dad and grandfather during his last days at home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church Improvement Fund or to the charity of one’s choice.
Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com
