John A. Nehls

John A. Nehls, age 89, of Rhinelander, died on Dec. 19, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 23, 1935 in Rhinelander, the son of Earl and Amanda (Collier) Nehls. He was born in a house next to the Rhinelander Public library and grew up on Phillip Street near the river. His parents had a beer depot, where they also rented out boats and motors from their house. It said he began guiding people on Boom Lake as early as age 9. He attended schools in Rhinelander graduating from the Rhinelander High School in 1953. He then served with the U.S. Air Force from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1959. He then returned to Rhinelander and went to work for the Rhinelander Paper Company retiring in 1997.

John married the former Maxine Freeman on May 1, 1965 and they were blessed with over 37 years together before her passing on Jan. 31, 2003.

John loved all sports. He was a huge fan of all Wisconsin sports teams, Hodags, Badgers, Brewers and the Packers, He played football in high school (he was the smallest kid in the conference) and for Rhinelander’s semi pro team “The Red Dogs” in the 1960’s. He also played softball in the Rhinelander Leagues. Since 1965, he has been well known for playing Santa every Christmas Eve at Pat’s Tavern. John loved being a “Hodag.”

John is survived by his daughter Katie (Jay Cheslock) Nehls, his sons Patrick “PJ” Nehls and John (Dona) Potters, his grandchildren Mason, Johnny and Brandon, other family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Maxine, his parents and his brothers Robert and Richard Nehls.

Visitation for John was held Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Carlson Funeral Home and will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024 at noon at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. Father Chris Kemp will be officiating. Interment will follow in the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery. You may leave your private condolences for the Nehls family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Nehls family.