Herbert Arthur Otto Nehls

Herbert Arthur Otto Nehls, 92, passed away on May 7, 2016 at Hospice of Cincinnati following a fall at Brookdale Assisted Living, Mason, Ohio where he had been a resident since July 2014. Herb was born on September 6, 1923, in Oak Harbor, Ohio to Sophia (Heck) and Andrew Nehls. Following graduation from Oak Harbor High School in 1941, Herb married Virginia Anne Druckenmiller of Fremont, Ohio on September 16, 1944 in Angola, Indiana; she preceded him in death on July 21, 2002. Herb was partner in the T.B.N. Sawmill that was formed on November 14, 1945 with two half-brothers, Robert Teeman, Emery Teeman, and co-worker Luther Bloom. The sawmill, located at 425 Behlman Road, Oak Harbor, supplied fine oak lumber to local boat manufacturers, lumber for local farmers and businessman, and included a substantial pallet making trade. The mill remained in business until the summer of 1973 when Herb, the surviving partner, closed operations. Following its closing, Herb obtained license and training to drive school bus for the Oak Harbor school system, driving for over 14 years. In addition, Herb obtained his real estate license working for John Parker Realty, Oak Harbor, and the H.J. Jadwisiak Realty, Port Clinton, Ohio. His real estate activities led to substantial work with the Tri-County Appraisal Company, working throughout Ottawa and Sandusky Counties. In 1952 Herb built a family home at 9609 W. State Route #163 where he resided until 2010. During those years he and wife Virginia (Ginny) loved to dance where he was a Golden Member at the F.O.E. (Eagles) in Fremont, Ohio. Herb was an avid league bowler with T.B.N. Sawmill teams. Summers he enjoyed coaching little league baseball in Oak Harbor; he was a Cleveland Indians, Browns, and Ohio State Buckeye football fan. During retirement he enjoyed fishing on Lake Erie with friends and neighbors. Following the death of his wife of 58 years, he became exceptionally good friends with Helen Smith of Oak Harbor, and they enjoyed companionship for several years. Survivors include sons Barry (Sue) Nehls, Mason, Ohio, and Tarry Nehls, Toledo, Ohio; daughters-in-law, Ivadel Nehls, Carolyn Nehls, and Marie Nehls, grandchildren Monica (Rick) Todd, Rebekka Ervin, James (Jillian) Hanson, Allan Johnson, Stefanie (Matthew) Taylor, Melanie (Andrew) Burrow, Crystal Brooks, Heather (Andrew) Witten, Jennifer (Rick) Knox, fourteen great grandchildren, and one great, great grandson, Noah Derek Nehls. Also surviving is a sister, Edna Mackey, Port Clinton, Ohio, sister-in-law, Lunetta Smetzler, Tiffin, OH, and numerous nieces & nephews. In addition to wife Virginia, he is preceded in death by eldest son, Herbert (Mike) Nehls, and granddaughter, Katie Sue Nehls. Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home, Oak Harbor. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor with Pastor John Stirewalt officiating, where Herb and his family were lifelong members. Burial will be at the Roose Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Memorials may be given to the church or to the Riverview Care Center, Oak Harbor, OH.