Robert Nihles

Robert N. Nihles, 79, of Platteville died on Friday, February 26, 2016 at Atrium Post Acute Care, Lancaster. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Deacon Bill Bussan will officiate. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, or from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Robert was born on June 27, 1936 in Bagley, Wisconsin, son of Raymond N. and Dorothy C. (Schollmeyer) Nihles. He graduated from Lancaster High School. On September 4, 1956, he was united in marriage to Dolores Pluemer at the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Platteville. Bob worked at the Dubuque Pack for a short time after getting married. He and Dolores farmed in Lancaster and later at Lima Union for many years. It was during his last few years farming that he started to sell farm tires which he continued after moving to Platteville in 1980, Nihles Farm Tire, which continues today and is operated by his grandson, Niles, who meant so much to him. He was an avid tractor puller for many years. He was a founding board member of the Badger State Tractor Pullers. He was inducted into the Grant County and the Badger State Tractor Pullers Hall of Fame. He was named farmer of the year. Bob could fabricate anything, he did many projects studying and applying his ability to make things.
He is survived by his wife, Dolores of Platteville; four children, Bobby Nihles of Platteville; Patty (Gregg) Hinkley of Middleton, WI; Lois (Tom) Brown of Livingston, WI; Betty Nihles-Davis of Platteville; grandson, Niles Davis of Platteville; sisters, Kathleen (Gerald) Koeller of Potosi, WI; Judy (Stanley) Henry of Ellenboro, WI; brother, Merlyn (Mary) Nihles of Belmont, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Sharon in 1981, brother, Vernon and his wife, Gwen.