William J. Nehl, 80, passed away on Tuesday July 25, 2017 at his home in Hazleton, Iowa. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Sunday July 30, 2017 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein with a Wake Service at 7:00 PM, and from 9:30 to 10:30 on Monday July 31, 2017 at the funeral home. Services will begin at 11:00 am on Monday July 31, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein with Father Ray Atwood officiating. Inurnment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hazleton at a later date. A memorial fund has been established by the family.  

William James Nehl was born on June 19, 1937 in New Hampton, Iowa the son of Clarence and Elizabeth (Elenz) Nehl. He graduated from St. Bernard Catholic High School in 1955, and then in January of 1956 he enlisted into the U. S. Navy where he was an Aircraft Mechanic. He was Honorably Discharged in November of 1959. On September 26, 1961 he was united in marriage with Mary Smith at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.  William was employed with John Deere in Waterloo for 31 years. When he wasn’t working, and after retiring, he enjoyed dancing, fishing, going to the Mississippi river (especially to Harpers Ferry), hunting, woodworking, helping his boys with their farming, gardening, mowing and just sitting in the back yard visiting with the neighbors. His greatest enjoyment was his time with his family. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus #1168 in Oelwein.  He had many friends and a loving family and will be dearly missed by all.

William is survived by his wife Mary; three sons: Lee (JoBeth) Nehl of Hazleton and his family: Jeremy Nehl and Rhiannon (Drew) Grundmeyer, John “Jack” Nehl Sr. of Garner and his family: John (Grethen) Nehl Jr. and Jonah Nehl, step-children Diana and David; Jeff (Amy) Nehl  of West Union and his family: Jordan Nehl and Sam Nehl; great-grandchildren: Kennedy, Brody and Robbie; brothers: Kenny (Delores) Nehl and Joe (Larraine) Nehl; sisters: Joanne (Wilfred) Walz and Florence (Donald) Boss; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-grandson Dustin; his brothers: Wally, Lawrence, Bob, Ed and Reynold Nehl.