William B. Nimsgern

William B. Nimsgern Sr., age 79 of Minocqua, WI and Port St. Lucie, FL died on Friday, March 18th with his family at his side. Bill was born on November 1, 1936 in Woodstock, IL the son of Joseph and Pauline (nee Kennebeck) Nimsgern Sr. Bill married Joyce Mangold on June 4th, 1960 in Johnsburg, IL at St. John’s Catholic Church and the couple celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Work ethic started at a young age, working 3 jobs to support the family in Illinois, worked as a welder for Northern Illinois Gas Company, part time Police Officer and sold Mason Shoes.

Nearly 50 years ago Bill and Joy Nimsgern moved to the Minocqua area from McHenry, IL to open up a small welding and radiator repair shop. With six kids in tow, the couple moved into the mobile home park across from MHLT on Hwy 51 to begin their American Dream. Hand-in-Hand Bill and Joy raised six kids, ran the mobile home park, and grew a welding business that started out in a small garage into one of the most respected and well-regarded family owned companies in Northern Wisconsin. Bill was a humble man, a mentor, and friend to many in the Minocqua area. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Active and longtime member of Minocqua Lions Club, many people enjoyed his beer and onion soaked brats throughout the years at Crazy Days and other Lions functions; four of his Sons and 1 Grandson have followed his footsteps and are active Lions members today.

He lived a simple, but astoundingly fulfilling life up until the very end. His personality could lighten any bad mood and he always put others before himself. His qualities have had a profound impact on his children, grandchildren, and friends.

Bill had a generous heart and was willing to do any job regardless of getting paid or not. Many jobs he did was to help others at a difficult time in their lives. Whether the job was on the weekend or late night, he was willing to drag heavy cables through 3 feet of snow to thaw the pipes of peoples homes who came up for the weekend.

He always had time for his children and grandchildren. With his children very active in sports and other actives, he never missed an event. He was so proud of his families accomplishments.

His children learned through the years that to be successful in life you had to work day and night. Many days Bill worked all day, have dinner with the family and would go back to work late into the evening, it was at that time his Boys would spend time with him, learning the trade, sweeping floors, cutting wood, and fixing all the stuff the kids broke.

Bill loved to travel, especially going to Alaska 3 different times, first time was with Joy for 6 weeks, then 2 weeks with his 5 sons and 1 son in law and just last summer for 2 weeks moving his Granddaughter Tegan family to Kodiak, AK. Every year for the past 20 years he would spend the winters in Port St. Lucie, FL, but his favorite place was his home in Minocqua, WI. Many times in the summer months he would cherish the time when his family would come over and have a cookout, bonfire and refreshments into the late evening.

He is survived by his Wife and Best Friend of 55 years, Joyce Nimsgern of Minocqua, WI and Port St. Lucie, FL and by 6 children: William “Chip” (Shari) Nimsgern Jr. of Minocqua, WI;
Pam (Ed) Knauer of Minocqua, WI; Dan (Angela) Nimsgern of Minocqua, WI; John (Kim) Nimsgern of Menomonie, WI; Jamie (Geralyn) Nimsgern of Minocqua and Tom Nimsgern of Minocqua, WI and by 18 Grandchildren: Thomas Nimsgern, Tegan (Scotty) Fredenhagen, Keidryn Nimsgern, Craig Nimsgern, Kelsey (Martin Jaramillo) Nimsgern, Katelyn Nimsgern, Brieanna Nimsgern, William Chase and Gabrielle Knauer, Daniel Cole Nimsgern, Andrew and Megan Nimsgern, Justin, Jennifer, Annika and Caitrin Nimsgern, Jacob and Zackery Nimsgern and by Great Grandchildren: Lexie, Quaid and Baby Boy Jaramillo to be born in June.

Further survived by his Brother, Joe Nimsgern Jr. of Minocqua, WI and Sisters-in-law: Lynne (Jack) Hester of Port St. Lucie, FL and Carol Mangold of GA and by his Nephews and Nieces: Mickey (Mary) Hester and Jenna (Jon) Specker; Mark, Mike(Rhonda) and Jim Leon; Randy (Barb) Mangold, Kim (Donnie) Shaw, Jesse (Bethanie) Mangold and Julie (Steve) Napier and Special Cousin, Mary Ann (Fred) Dickman and by many other relatives and friends. He will be deeply missed by Tito’s Vodka, Blue Cheese Olives, Menards, his recliner, riding lawn mower and the Packers and Badgers. The chipmunks in the neighborhood are thankful that they will have respite from the sharp shooter.

Bill was preceded in death by his Parents, Joseph and Pauline Nimsgern Sr. and Father and Mother-in-law: Philip (Eleanore) Mangold and by his Sister and Brother-in-law: Joan and Frank Leon and Brother in Law, Bill Mangold.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 28th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel with a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, March 29th at 11:00 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff, WI with a visitation from 9:30 am till time of service at the church.

Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Woodruff, WI with a reception to follow at the Nimsgern Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to HYF Dr. Kate Lakeland Hospice, PO Box 770, Woodruff, WI, 54568 or to the Minocqua Lions Club, PO Box 1201, Minocqua, Wii 54548

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY