Ronald Vernon Nehls

He was born February 21, 1933, in Dundee to Ottmer and Adeline (Geick) Nehls. On August 20, 1953, Ron married Margaret Schumacher while serving in the U.S. Army. They moved to Woodstock in 1958 to manage McHenry County Memorial Park and later also Windridge Memorial Park in Cary, where his two sons, Randy and Doug, also worked with their father prior to his retirement after 51 years of devoted service to the community in 2010.

Ron was a life time member of the VFW Post 5040 where he served as a Service Officer and was Sergeant of the Honor Guard for many years. He was also a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Woodstock, where he served as an Elder, Financial Secretary, and Trustee. His life was devoted to family, friends, and service.

Marmie preceded Ron in death on August 27, 1984 after 31 years of marriage. Ron later married Freda Morrow on May 1, 1988 and became stepfather to Evelyn (Morrow) Waters, Timothy Morrow, and Fred Ahlmann.

He is survived by his wife, Freda (Wisher); sons, Randy, of Col Springs, and Douglas (Robin) of Roscoe; stepchildren, Evelyn (Steve) Waters of Cary, Timothy Morrow, of Round Lake Beach, and Fred (Megan) Ahlmann of Newport News, VA; grandchildren, Jeremy, Alicia, Jacob (Kelly), and Sarah Nehls; great grandson, Aiden; step grandchildren, Ashley, Nicholas, Jason, Micah, Jordan, Jacob, and Luke Waters, Timothy Morrow, Jr., Rozalynd, and Evangelynd (Evie) Ahlmann; one surviving brother, Kenneth (Jeannette) Nehls of Upland, CA; and two cousins, Carol Fabrizius and Bob (Inga) Oksas.

The visitation is 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 9, and 10 until time of service at 11 a.m., Monday, June 10, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 401 St. Johns Road, Woodstock with Rev. E. Timothy Frick officiating. Entombment will be held at McHenry County Memorial Park. At the request of the family, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Rockford Special Olympics, and Journeys Care Hospice of Woodstock. Services are under the direction of Sunset Funeral Home, Machesney Park. Online condolences may be submitted at sunsetfhmemgardens.com