Conrad August Nehls

Conrad August Nehls, age 84, was called to his eternal home on January 16, 2024, at Vernon Manor Nursing Home surrounded by those he chose to care for him, after a long journey of declining health.

He was born September 23, 1939, on the first anniversary of his late parents’ Bernie and Rosella (neé Nuttleman) Nehls of Barre Mills, WI. Six years later, his sister, Dorthy, joined the family. Conrad was baptized, attended parochial school until eighth grade, and was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church and School (WELS) in Barre Mills. He graduated class of ’57, from West Salem High School.

Conrad then served his country by enlisting in the Army. After being honorably discharged, he returned to the family farm. Conrad’s professional life included lifelong work on the family dairy farm, being a lineman for La Crosse Telephone and Cable, a milk hauler for Tri State Milk Cooperative, working at Webster Lumber, being a Herdsman for Dutchmill Farm, and a Farm Manager for Vernon County Farms.

He grew up surrounded by extended family in Barre Mills, WI on County Road YY. Conrad developed his bowling expertise and love of showing cows from his Uncle Fredrick Nuttleman. It was while showing cows at the Wisconsin State Fair that he heard Linda Carol Klahn singing with friends in the barn aisle. He then took a show string of cows to Vernon County Fair so he could hear more of that beautiful voice.

Linda and Conrad were married on October 28, 1961, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua, WI. They celebrated 57 years of Christian marriage. Conrad stated many times after Linda’s passing in 2019, how he missed her voice and their deep conversations. Throughout their marriage, they continued to share a passion for showing cows and horses and watching the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers. Conrad introduced his three daughters at an early age to the Christian faith and the show ring where his family worked, played, and grew together.

Conrad stated his happiness overflowed when he met his first grandchild, Darin, for his 49th birthday. Papa Conrad loved Darin like a son as they spent many hours together eating sour apple lollipops, fishing, shooting fireworks, and showing cows. Tessa and T.J. came next, followed by Angelo. Angelo warmed Grandpa’s heart by pushing his wheelchair for medical procedures, putting a smile on his face with every joke told, and educating him about dinosaurs. Meeting his first great-grandchild, Tristan Walvort, brought a ray of sunshine to his room.

Conrad will live on in our hearts for sharing his Christian faith, having an infracaninophile heart, and ecleptic show strings. Until we meet again.

He is survived by his daughters: Carie (Tom) Wagner, Christine Nehls, and Carmen Nehls; his grandchildren: Darin Nehls-Wiggins, Tessa (Tyler) Walvort, T.J. (Bailey) Wagner, Angelo Nehls Adaya; great-grandchild, Tristan Walvort; sister, Dorothy (Don) Peterson and their children: Scot, Jill and her son, Gabe, and Kurt; along with numerous cousins and friends.

Memorials may be made in honor of Conrad’s life to Vernon Manor in Viroqua, WI.

A Life Celebration Service for Conrad will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday February 3, 2024, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Friends may call on the family during a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will immediately follow the service.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory in Westby is serving Conrad's family.

708 S. Main Street

Westby, WI 54667

(608) 634-2100