Virgil A. "Smokey" Nihles

Virgil "Smokey" Andrew Nihles, age 79, of Highland WI, passed away on July 9, 2024, at St. Mary's hospital surrounded by family.
Virgil was born on November 16, 1944, in Highland, WI, to Andrew and Faye (Gabler) Nihles. He graduated from Highland High School in 1962. He worked for the George Fillback family for many years doing farming, trucking and mechanic work. He then went to work for Riverdale Ag, retiring in 2008. He was a Jack-of-all-trades. He could fix anything that needed to be fixed for whoever needed help. He was a passionate gardener: "The BIGGER the better!" He loved sharing his harvest with anyone for "just a talk." He shared his love of gardening with his kids and grandchildren. Virgil loved any tractor that was "red" and had a huge collection of toy tractors. Virgil had a very special way of saying "Goodbye!" He would always say, "10-4-11 1/2".
Virgil married the love of his life, Phyllis Hadley, on July 18, 1970. Virgil affectionately nicknamed Phyllis "Beauford". They would have celebrated 54 wonderful years of marriage in a couple of weeks. They enjoyed gardening, car rides, shopping and spending time with their children, grandkids and great-grandkids. Virgil had a sense of humor like no other, and that will be missed greatly. He was never at a loss for words and had a story for almost any topic that came up. He taught his kids respect, morals, and good work ethics that continued to his grandkids.
Together they raised four wonderful children. Penny (Mike "M.P") Price of Dodgeville, Joey (Kristen "Hazel") Nihles of Stitzer, Sherry (Mike "Mudd") Brokish of Dodgeville, and Laura (Mike "Mikey") Anderson of Highland.
Virgil's grandchild and great-grandchildren meant the world to him and did no wrong in his eyes. He was Papa to 10 grandchildren: Katie (Seth) Kaderly; Ashley and Bryan Price; Justin, Jared, and Kaiden Nihles; Jake (Michelle) and Kari (Logan) Brokish; and Briceson and Hadley Anderson. Two step-grandchildren, Nolen Borne and Dallas Day. And, three great-grandchildren Kasen and Addy Kaderly and Ava Koester.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Algon and Leona Hadley; brothers Robert and Roger Nihles; sister Arlene Olson; brothers- in-law Dick Hadley and Llyod Smith; sister-in-law Dawn Nihles; nephew Daniel Nihles; and special friends George Fillback, Patrick and Mary Shemak, and Doug Carter.
Virgil is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren; brother Kenny Nihles, of Highland; sister Doris Smith of McFarland; sisters-in-law Sharon (Donnie) Martin of Bellevue, Iowa, and Sharon Hadley of Durango, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, other family and everyone he met who became his friend. "He knew everyone!"
He couldn't help but bring a smile to anyone's face that was around him. He had a bright happiness to him!
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Christ Lutheran Church, 303 Main St, Highland. An additional visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Highland Public Cemetery with Rev. Dana Mark Wilkie officiating. The McGuire-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home, Highland, is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com
10-4-11 ½
McGuire-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home Highland 608-929-4815 www.houckfuneralhomes.com