Lloyd E. Nimmer

Lloyd E. Nimmer, 88, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, early Monday morning, December 21, 2020 at Paradise Estates in Kewaunee, WI.  The son of Elmer and Melda (Schartau) Nimmer was born on August 11, 1932 in Kewaunee, WI. Lloyd married Marianne Esther Spietz on July 23, 1961 in Wrightstown, WI at St. John’s Lutheran Church.  She preceded him in death on October 5, 2017.
Lloyd was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many.  He embodied a tremendous work ethic which he proudly passed on to his children and grandchildren.  He received many awards, titles and accolades throughout his lifetime; however a humble and faithful servant to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is how he would prefer to be remembered. His confirmation verse John 17:3 reads,  "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Lloyd graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1950.  While in high school he was a class officer, a member of the drama club, yearbook staff and very active in sports.  His senior year he was named captain of the basketball team and was selected as a guard to the First Team of the All-Conference Team.  He was a four-year letter winner in baseball.  His love of sports continued as he was a member of various slow pitch teams in the area, playing for the Grove, Vons, Windys, Peps and the Bucket.  He enjoyed playing basketball with teams at the Green Bay prison and loved to socialize with friends and competitors alike.  His passion of sports carried through to his children and grandchildren and he tried hard to never miss their games.  One of his favorite memories was being allowed to have military leave to attend his son’s state basketball game in Madison and then a generation later, watch his granddaughter and her team win the state title.  He thoroughly enjoyed attending and supporting all of his grandchildren at their events and activities.
Lloyd, the “Big Mouse” began his military career in October 1951.  He joined the Artillery Anti-Aircraft Unit out of Two Rivers, WI attached to the 32nd Red Arrow Division of Wisconsin.  He was on active duty from 1952 through 1954 and served in Korea during the Korean War.  Lloyd led infantry patrols at night in the Chorwon Valley through the Demilitarized zone as a Scout Dog Handler with the 38th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon.  When he returned from Korea, Lloyd and two friends were instrumental in starting an Army Reserve Unit in Kewaunee.  A Field Artillery Unit was started in April, 1955 and in 1961, a new US Army Reserve Center was dedicated.  He continued to serve his Country with the 488th Chemical Battalion in Green Bay, WI and later with the 432nd Civil Affairs Company where he was called to Active Duty in 1979 for the movement of Cubans to Fort McCoy.  Lloyd was named First Sergeant and served with this title for 15 years, retiring in 1984 from the United States Army with 33 years of continuous military service.  Lloyd was very proud to have been able to participate in the Old Glory Honor Flight program in 2014 with five other Kewaunee County residents.  He was planning to attend the return to Korea trip in 2020 as he was thrilled he could share this experience with his son.  Unfortunately, Covid interfered.  In June 2019, Lloyd was able to attend the High Ground Military Service Dog memorial program where service dogs and their handlers were honored and a monument erected.  He was forever indebted to his military dog, RinTin.
Lloyd was employed with Wood Steel Products in Kewaunee, WI from 1950-1951 and Hamilton Manufacturing Company of Two Rivers, WI from 1954-1969.  In 1969, he was hired at The State Bank of Kewaunee, now known as Nicolet Bank, and worked there for 25 years, ending his career as the bank’s Vice-President in 1994.  Although retired, Lloyd liked to keep busy and enjoyed working at Walston Insurance agency and as a Seed Salesman with Walters of Rio Creek. He also worked as a Courier for Baylake Bank and in the circulation department with the Kewaunee Enterprise.  Assisting his wife, he even took on Avon deliveries – which he enjoyed as he loved to chat and laugh with people every day.
Lloyd served his community in many ways.  As a veteran, he was a member of American Legion Post #29 and VFW Post #3392, both from Kewaunee.  He served as a past commander of Post #29 and as Kewaunee County’s Legion Adjutant for over 25 years in addition to Veterans Service Commissioner.  Proudly, he led many units in local parades and events where you could hear him lead drill commands.  He served his community as treasurer for the Salvation Army of Kewaunee County for 24 years. Many times he was called upon to present Patriotic programs to the students of Kewaunee and to the senior citizens at the Kewaunee Senior Center.  He assisted and conducted many Veterans activities throughout the year within the City of Kewaunee.  The one thing he was most proud of was to be able to present a proper Veterans funeral home service followed by a most Honorable, Dignified, and Patriotic burial.   He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church serving with passion on many boards.  In March 2007 Lloyd was recognized by the Build the Future Foundation as a Wall of Fame recipient as he made significant contributions to his community.
Survivors include his children, Paul (Brenda) Nimmer, Kewaunee, Heidi (George) Okreglicki, Plover;  grandchildren, Karlee (Cody) Horlacher, Reggie (special friend, Sophia Hower) Nimmer, Ashtyn Okreglicki and Amber Okreglicki;  great grandchildren, William and Hollie Horlacher.  Sister/Brother in laws; Bettymae & Keith Nollenberg, Sharijoy Busse, Fred & Judy Spietz, Larry & Georgie Spietz along with many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Marianne, parents, Elmer and Melda Nimmer, in-laws; Harry and Alice Spietz, two infant sisters and brother in law, Foster Busse.
Lloyd and Marianne enjoyed vacationing together throughout the country and loved to spend time with their children and grandchildren.  They were especially proud to be able to share special trips with them to Disney World and Hawaii.  One of Lloyds highlights was to climb Diamond Head on Oahu when he turned 80 with his youngest grandchild.
Lloyd taught his family many lessons through the years.  The top three being love of family, a strong work ethic and faith in God.   His motto was “prior planning makes for a perfect performance.”    We salute you dad – “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Visitation will take place Saturday, December 26th starting at 10am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kewaunee, WI. an American Legion memorial program will be held at 12:30pm., with additional visitation to follow until time of funeral service at 2pm.  Full military rights and Christian burial will immediately follow at the Riverview Cemetery.
Safety measures and social distancing will be encouraged.  If unable to attend, the service can be live streamed at:  https://immanuellutherankewaunee.org/
Lloyd’s family sends special thanks to the caregivers at Paradise Estates, Unity Hospice, and Buchanan Funeral Home for their kind and compassionate care shown to Lloyd.