Franklin C. Nehls

Franklin C. Nehls, of Hustisford, passed away Saturday, October 27, 2012, surrounded by his daughters and family, at the age of 91 years. He was born August 15, 1921 in Hustisford, the son of Henry and Marie (nee Kuenzi) Nehls. Frank was very proud of his of his military service, as a World War II veteran, a soldier and paratrooper serving in the military from August 15, 1942 through January 25, 1946 serving in both the South Atlantic and Pacific Theaters, a member of the International Association of Machinists for over 50 years, a devoted and loving husband to Pearl, as he fondly called her his “gem of the ocean” caring for her in their home for 8 years. Also known as Gertie’s best son-in-law – the only one! Frank was a story teller, a democrat in a highly republican area – and proud of it. Frankie’s favorite past times were spent hunting and fishing and his famous garage sales, having coffee, breakfast and lunch at “Joanie’s” and spending precious time with his family. He retired from John Deere after 38 years of service. Frank was a member and past-commander of the Hustisford American Legion Post 420, and participated in many Legion graveside services. As a long-time member of Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, he held many church offices, including school board, church council and usher. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Juneau, and attended St. John’s Ev. Lutheran School and Juneau High School. While serving in the army, he married Pearl Thom at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church on July 7, 1945, and resided in the Hustisford area all his life. Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Pearl (nee Thom) Nehls, his parents, his father- and mother-in-law Edwin and Gertrude Thom, his sister Frieda (Louis) Brakob, his brothers Douglas Nehls, Melvin “Pete” Nehls, Henry “Heine” (Alice) Nehls, his sister-in-law Joyce Thom, and his brother-in-law Fred Schmidt. Frankie was a proud man and would tell you “I’m the Luckiest Man in the World” and “I have the best family in the world.” He was the “Best Daddy in the World”, #1 Grandpa, Great Grandpa and friend. Frankie is survived by his three loving daughters and son in laws, Pamela (Mark) Westphal of Appleton, Sandra (Donald) Held of Conover, WI, and Trina Nehls of Hustisford, eight grandchildren, Michelle (Ronald) Klett of Oshkosh, Thomas (Kate) Burgess of DePere, Michael Westphal of Lodi, Gary (Lori) Held of Fort Atkinson, Cory (Beth) Held of Mayville, Karin (Tony) Hug of Neno, Katie Stange of Hustisford and Samantha (Ben) Sutton of Randolph, 12 great-grandchildren, Connor Klett, Emily, Madalyn and Benjamin Burgess, Jacob, Grady and Charlie Held, Grace, Jimmy and Bobbie Held, Matthew and Michaela Hug. He is also survived by his sister Charlotte Schmidt of Juneau and sisters-in-law Ceilia Nehls of Fond du Lac, Adeline Nehls of Juneau, his brother-in-law Walter (Lucille) Thom of Tomahawk. Frankie is further survived by his best friends Glen Weismueller and Orville Nehls, life-long hunting companions, Pearl’s family members, the Dummer and Thom families, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Frankie was a resident at Brillion West Haven, where he was loved and cared for by the wonderful staff, “Frankie” as they lovingly referred to him, and he would respond, “You are the prettiest girl in town, and I don’t tell that to everyone!” The family would also like to express their thanks to Pastor Ross Henzi at Trinity Lutheran Church, Brillion and Pastor Timothy Bauer at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, Hustisford, for their prayers and ministry to our Dad. Frankie touched so many lives, with his infectious smile, his blue eyes and his tender heart. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 1 from 11:30 – 2:15 PM at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, Hustisford. Funeral Service will follow at 2:30 PM at the Church. Rev. Timothy Bauer and will officiate. Interment at Hustisford Cemetery. Military Graveside Service under the auspices of Hustisford American Legion Post #420. The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home - Hustisford is serving the family. www. berndt-ledesma.com

Franklin C. Nehls

August 15, 1921 - October 27, 2012