Ruth Esther (nee Reichow) Nehls

Ruth  Esther Nehls, of Watertown, passed away on Saturday, July 6 at the age of 86 years.  She was born on February 21, 1938 in Hartford, the daughter of Earl and Esther (nee Hundt) Reichow. 

Ruth married David Nehls on May 16, 1959, at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Neosho, and the two worked together for more than 40 years on their family farm in Hustisford. They had three children, Jeffrey (Carolyn) Nehls of Iron Ridge, Dale Nehls of Fond-du-Lac, and Renee Nehls of Waukesha, who have given them nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They were a hard working couple who also made time for fun, polka dancing three times per week with friends for many years. A devoted mother and Grandma, Ruth was a constant spectator at her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, even when it meant the cows were milked at 3 a.m. After retiring from the farm, Ruth and David enjoyed camping, making many friends along the way.

In addition to her beloved family, Ruth was devoted to her church and community. The “bowling girls” were treasured friends, a blessing for which she was deeply grateful, for decades. She loved being a member of the Sinissippi Settlers Homemaker’s Club and the Red Hatters, and was active in numerous card clubs over the years. She was proud to serve as an Election Worker throughout her life and was a long-time member of the Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church community.  Cooking and baking for people she loved made her especially happy, particularly sharing her specialties: homemade dill pickles, and Schaum Torte.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband on March 27, 2021, as well as by many other relatives and friends. She is survived by her brother, Armin (Audrey) Reichow, and by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She will be dearly missed by many family and friends, and also by Gizmo, her faithful and constant companion of the last 10 years, who Ruth adored. 

Visitation is Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 4:00 - 6:30p.m. at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church in Hustisford, and again Friday, July 12th, at 10:00am.to 11:00am. Funeral service will follow at 11am at church. Pastor Loescher will officiate Ruth’s funeral service. Interment will follow at the Hustisford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials made to Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, or the charity of your choice, are appreciated.  The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home of Hustisford is serving the family.

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