Gilbert Nihsen

Gilbert Hans Nihsen was born on May 24, 1925, the son of Hans Henry Theodore and Katherine Elizabeth (Moeller) Nihsen near Kiron, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith and received his education in country schools.

On June 23, 1946, Gilbert was united in marriage to Erna Louise Teut at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Soldier Township near Charter Oak. Following their marriage, they farmed in the Schleswig and Ricketts communities. After retiring from farming, Gilbert drove a school bus for Schleswig Community Schools.

Gilbert was a faithful man who believed deeply in the Lord and lived his life with steadfastness, responsibility, and good stewardship. He was known for his great sense of humor and quick wit, and he never hesitated to share a good joke or clever remark. He taught his children and grandchildren the importance of responsibility and caring for what they had, not simply through his words, but by the example he set throughout his life.

Gilbert was a member of the Schleswig Community Building Board and served as an Elder and board member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ricketts. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, traveling to visit family, and, most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. His strong faith, steady nature, humor, and the values he instilled in his family will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Gilbert passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Willow Dale Nursing Home in Battle Creek at the age of 101 years, three months and two days. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Erna Nihsen; sons, Russell Dean Nihsen and Dallas Lee Nihsen; siblings: Wayne Nihsen, Vernon Nihsen and Mabel Kohlbaum.

Gilbert is survived by his son, Lowayne (Carol) Nihsen of Port Orchard, Washington; grandchildren: Jeremy (Stephanie) Nihsen, Kristian (Robert) Thomas, Jarrod (Kayla) Nihsen and Natasha (Timothy) Linne; great-grandchildren: Mercedes, Hailee, Marissa, Kendall, Emma, Lucy and Cody; and other family members and friends.

His graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Morgan Cemetery near Schleswig. Memorials may be directed to any cancer association in his memory.