Jerome W. Nilles

Jerome W. Nilles passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on December 13, 2024. Born on April 11, 1936, Jerome was the son of Albert and Cathryn (Girrens) Nilles and grew up on a farm near St. Mary’s Aleppo where he went to grade school.  After graduating from Andale High School, Jerome enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in the Federal Republic of Germany.  On his return to civilian life, Jerome married Doris (Rohling) and together they shared over 65 years and raised seven children: Becky Ast (Carl Smith) of Holiday Island, AR, Vicky (Tom Hardy) of Oakwood, OH, Brad (Stacy) of St. Mark, Beth (Neal) Conrardy of Tucson, AZ, Bill (Melissa) of Udall, Mary (Darin Grimes) of Andale, and Chris Tibbets of Wichita.

Jerome worked for Western Electric/AT&T until his retirement 37 years later, often claiming that he worked harder in retirement when he helped his children build their homes, worked as a substitute mail carrier, and spent many hours on a tractor for a local farmer who needed his help. Through his 60’s, Jerome could be found on a slow-pitch softball field, confounding younger players as he regularly placed singles and racked up RBIs.  He was an avid trapshooter and captured a National Champion and several State Champion titles.  Jerome served in many positions with the VFW Post 1250, including terms as its Quartermaster and Post Commander.  For more than 25 years, Jerome and Doris ran Post 1250’s program that provided durable medical equipment to those with disability or other mobility issues.

Jerome was an avid supporter of his children and grandchildren. He traveled throughout Kansas and the midwest to cheer them on as they competed at grade school, high school, college, and professional levels in their chosen sports and activities.  He is survived by his wife and seven children, 15 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren, as well as his niece and nephew, and many cousins and friends.  His porch knew no stranger.  Jerome will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will forever remain in our hearts.

Rosary service will be held on Tuesday, December 17, at 7:00 p.m. and a funeral mass on Wednesday, December 18, at 10:30 a.m. both at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Andale.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105) or Meals on Wheels (Senior Services of Wichita  Attn: Development Department/ 200 S Walnut St. Wichita, KS 67213.) 

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