Nilus Selmer Ihle, was born June 25, 1924 on the family farm near Slater, Iowa. His parents were Nels and Nella Ihle, Norwegian immigrants. Nilus passed away on February 4, 2020 at Brookdale Springs Senior Living Community in Mesa, Arizona.
He is survived by his wife Rowena (Richardson) Ihle, and by his three children: David (Sharon) Ihle of Woodbury, MN, Richard (Debi) Ihle of Chandler, AZ and Jean Ihle of Mesa, AZ. There are two step children: Cathy (Ron) Kjellsen, of Kerens, TX and Bruce Heyerdahl, of Austin, Texas. Grandchildren include Joshua Ihle of Elmwood, WI, Amanda (Matt) Root of San Francisco, CA, Allison (Collin) Dozbaba of Chandler, AZ and Alena (Andy) Hicks of Phoenix, AZ. There are also eight great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter. Additionally, there are two step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.
Preceding Nilus in death was his first wife, Dorothy Jean (Sheldahl) and brothers Kenneth, Mervin and Otis, all from central Iowa.
Nilus grew-up on the family farm in Iowa and as a young man served in the United States Marine Corp in 1945-1946 with an Honorable Discharge in 1946. As a Vet of WWII, he was very proud of his service as a Marine.
After his service, he spent his years as an Iowa farmer, a carpenter, a house mover and a locksmith while also employed by John Deere Industries and Firestone Tire and Rubber Co in Des Moines, Iowa. While holding down more than one job at a time, he was a great partner for Dorothy and a terrific Dad. In his later years he was a great partner for Rowena, and still a terrific Dad who loved his grandchildren dearly.
Private visitation services are planned for February 10 from 11:00AM - 1:00PM at Mariposa Gardens in Mesa with Graveside Services at 2:00PM at the Veterans National Memorial Cemetery in Cave Creek, AZ.
There will also be a Memorial Service for family and friends on February 11 at 2:00PM at Brookdale Springs Senior Living Community, 6220 Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ, 85206.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to Nilus’ favorite charities. Please send memorials to:
Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care
400 South Power Road
Mesa, AZ 85206
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