Merlyn L. Nihles

Merlyn L. Nihles, age 85, of Belmont, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at New Glarus Home, New Glarus. He was born on March 6, 1940, in Bloomington, the son of Raymond and Dorothy (Schollmeyer) Nihles. Merlyn attended Hurricane Country School. He farmed for a short time before starting a career in over the road truck driving and feed delivery, retiring in 2022. In 1988, Merlyn was united in marriage to Mary Carey. She preceded him in death in 2023. Merlyn enjoyed crossword puzzles, his UTV, fishing, and watching country westerns and game shows, especially “Press Your Luck.”

Survivors include his children, Tony Nihles and Christina (Tim) Gilbertson; his grandchildren: Sarah, Mike (Stephanie) and Raymond (Brenna Wheeler) Nihles, Tyson and Tyler Nihles, Corrina (Cooper Sholes) Snider, Tegan, Kelsey (Tyler Campbell), and Kyle Gilbertson; his great-grandchildren: Alex Nihles, Braxton, Aubrey, Chloe, Drew Nihles, Selina Jones, Rian Campbell and Scarlett Thesien; his sister, Judy Henry; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, and his wife, Mary, Merlyn was preceded in death by two sons, Randy and Terry Nihles, and his siblings: Kathleen (Gerald) Koeller, Vernon (Gwyn) Nihles, Bob (Delores) Nihles, and a brother-in-law, Stanley Henry.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor Doug Weaver and Mark Klaas officiating. The burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends may visit on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.