Alfred G. Nilges

Alfred G. "Tillie" Nilges, age 87, of Richmond, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at Richmond Healthcare in Richmond, Kansas. He was born on November 25, 1924, in Scipio, Kansas, the son of Albert H. and Barbara (Kipper) Nilges. He was a lifelong resident of the Richmond area, moving to the Richmond community in 1936. He attended East Scipio School, and graduated from Richmond High School in 1943. Alfred was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946. He was a Sergeant in the 127th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Unit (127th AAA Gun BN) serving in the European Theatre and participating in the Battle of the Bulge. After returning from the service Alfred attended Ottawa University for one year. Alfred was united in marriage to Laura Waldrip on June 10, 1947, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Richmond, Kansas. This union was blessed with three children. Laura, his spouse of 60 years, preceded him in death on May 20, 2008. He worked for the Farmer's Co-Op in Richmond for 37½ years, beginning in 1947. He was a Charter Member of the Richmond Enterprise development group. He was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church and at the age of 18 he became a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #2680 of Scipio, earning 4th Degree status. He served as a Grand Knight, District Deputy, and as the Kansas State Treasurer from 1971 to 1973. Alfred was also preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; brother Elmer Nilges; sister Maxine Hildebrandt; and daughter-in-law Alice Nilges. He is survived by one son, Lynn Nilges of Ottawa, Kansas; two daughters, Deb Catron and husband Darrel of Gas, Kansas; Becky Nilges of Iola, Kansas; seven grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; brother Clyde Nilges and wife, Audrey, of Blue Springs, Missouri; sister Blanch Henderson of Garnett, Kansas; three brothers-in-law Warren Dee Waldrip and wife, Haydee, of Tucson, Arizona; Gene Waldrip of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; Leroy Hildebrandt of Ottawa, Kansas; sister-in-law Pat Waldrip of Lamar, Colorado. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, September 10, 2012 at St. Therese Catholic Church, Richmond. Interment will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery, Scipio, Kansas. The family will greet friends following a Rosary at 6:30 PM, Sunday evening at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 219 S. Oak, Garnett, KS 66032. Memorial contributions may be made to Pennies for Heaven or to the Richmond Area Community Museum and left in care of the funeral home.