Ronald Nihiser

Ronald Eugene Nihiser Sr., 86, of Decatur, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at Generations at McKinley Place. Memorial services to celebrate Ron's life will be held Saturday, August 3, 2019, at 11 am at Zion Chapel United Methodist Church, with visitation one hour before. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park, Decatur at a later date. Memorials may be made to Zion Chapel United Methodist Church or the Inter-Church Council Food Pantry. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is assisting the family. Ronald was born on Oct 10, 1932, in Decatur, Illinois, to John Lloyd, Sr. and Hannah Louise (Williams) Nihiser. He grew up in Decatur and graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1951. He married Rose Marie Boyle on March 18, 1951. They were married 64 years and had five children together. He was a mechanic for over 50 years. He started as an employee of Kilborn Motors. He later opened Ron's Garage at 260 W. Wood Street in downtown Decatur. Then he ran Ron's Auto Salvage on Faries Parkway. He later sold the auto salvage yard and relocated to a property just down the street from his home. There he ran Ron's Garage located on East Hickory for 20 plus years. Ron was a very outgoing, hard-working person. He would go out of his way to help others. He was a faithful member of Zion Chapel attending every Sunday and often bringing items for the food pantry. One of Ron’s favorite hobbies was to eat. He often went to lunch with his friends and loved to prepare Saturday lunch for his family. Ron liked to travel with his wife, Rose, and sister-in-Law, Barb. Two favorite trips were a Hawaiian cruise and their road trip to California. His family was everything to Ron and their love and support kept his desire to live thriving. Ron is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Sherri) of Decatur; daughters, Kathy Miller of Decatur; Tina (Jim) Young of Peoria; Grandchildren, Joshua Nihiser of Decatur; Kristopher (Colleen) Miller of Spring, TX; Kassandra (Miller) (Derek) Marston of Decatur; Amy (Young) (Brian) Fitzgerald of Washington; Alyssa (Young) (Tyler) Broom of Denver, CO; Matthew Nihiser (Tara) of Decatur; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn Irene and Tyler Allen Miller of Spring, TX; Kane Michael Fitzgerald of Washington; and Haddie Rose Broom of Denver, CO.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sons: Dennis Wayne Nihiser, Ronald Eugene Nihiser, Jr.; brothers: John Nihiser, Jr., William Nihiser (infant); Sisters: Cora Yundt, Mildred Skinner, Bonnie Jordan, Margaret McKinney, Ellen Nihiser (infant); brother-in-law: Ed Boyle; sisters-in-law: RethaSchenkel, Barbara Henneberry. Special thanks to Dr. Kristen Newcome and the staff of Heartland and McKinley Place for the care given to Ronald. "
}