John Nienhuis

John A. Nienhuis, 86, of Pearl City, IL passed away Thursday June 29, 2023 at Rock River Hospice and Home in Sterling, IL. He was born December 29, 1936 in Oak Park, IL to Jacob A. and Vera E. (Wilcox) Nienhuis. John was a 1954 graduate of Freeport High School. John served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1958. On May 21, 1961 he married Anita Roddewig at Cedarville United Methodist Church in Cedarville, IL. John was employed at MicroSwitch for 40 years in tool design. He was a member of Cedarville United Methodist Church and Pearl City United Methodist Church. John was also a member of the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society with his wife.

He enjoyed flying model airplanes and was a former member of the Freeport R/C Modelers. In his younger years he enjoyed boating and roller skating, where he met Anita in Eleroy, IL at the local roller rink. In later years he enjoyed canoeing with Anita on Yellow Creek. Researching cars was also a hobby of John’s, especially electric cars in recent years.

He is survived by his wife Anita of Pearl City, IL; four children Annette (Peter) Happ of Stockton, IL, Leanne (Jon) Konkel Briggs of Orangeville, IL, David (Wendy) Nienhuis of Forreston, IL, and Donna (Steve) Hillman of Mt. Morris, IL; two brothers Earl Nienhuis of Palos Heights, IL and Karl (Susan) Nienhuis of Beaver Dam, WI; sister-in-law Joyce Nienhuis of Freeport, IL; four grandchildren Jon Hillman, Bradley (Mariel) Happ, Heidi (Adam) Ditzler, and Faun (Lincoln) Manthei; and five great-grandchildren.

Preceding John in death are his parents, brother Robert, sister-in-law Arlene, son-in-law Kevin Konkel, and one great-grandson.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday July 1, 2023 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home with Chaplain Jeremy Heller officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will be in Rock Grove Union Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory. The family would like to extend their gratitude to all of the nurses and staff with FHN Hospice, FHN ICU, Rock River Hospice and Home, and Liberty Village Manor Court for their exceptional care.