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Ralph Joseph Nilles, 94, of Crestview Hills, KY passed away peacefully on Friday, March 3, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Hospice Facility in Edgewood, KY. He was born November 25, 1928 in Dubuque, IA to the late Joseph and Bertha Nilles. Ralph proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He worked his way up to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant before retiring. Ralph spent his next career as a distribution manager for Jung Products. He was also an active volunteer in the community and he had volunteered at the Parish Kitchen, Welcome House, Be-Concerned, and Rose Mission in Covington, KY, and at Meals on Wheels with the Elsmere Senior Center. He spent many years running on the Erlanger Life Squad. Ralph was a devout Catholic and a long time member of Mary Queen of Heaven Church in Erlanger, KY.
Ralph enjoyed gardening and traveling. He also loved fishing with his brothers, kids and grandkids. Ralph was a wonderful cook and baker. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. Ralph never met an audience he couldn’t entertain with his many stories.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Nilles (nee: Mulvey), his brothers, Richard and Donald Nilles, and his stepsister, Teresa Puetz, step son-in-law, Mark Dulaney. Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Bonnie (nee: Scudder)Nilles, his beloved children: Susan Johns (Carey), Elizabeth Schultze (John), Theresa Nilles and Joseph Nilles (Julie), his stepdaughters, Kim Bolinger (Eddie) and Lisa Dulaney, his brother, Joseph Nilles (Jeanette), 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held for Ralph on Monday, March 6, 2023 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Mary Queen of Heaven Church, 1150 Donaldson Hwy, Erlanger, KY 41018. Mass of Christian Burial will be held immediately following at 12:00 PM at the Church. Ralph will be entombed at St. Mary Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, KY following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Parish Kitchen at P.O. Box 1234, Covington, KY 41011 or to Mary Queen of Heaven Church at the address listed above. Online condolences can be made at www.linnemannfuneralhome.com.
Mary Queen of Heaven Church
1150 Donaldson Hwy.Erlanger, KY 41018
Mary Queen of Heaven Church
1150 Donaldson Hwy.Erlanger, KY 41018
St. Mary Cemetery (Ft. Mitchell)
Address: 2201 Dixie Highway Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017Ralph Joseph Nilles
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Deepest Condolences
To the entire Ralph and Bonnie Nilles family,
I was so sad to hear of Ralph’s passing.
I feel so blessed to have met Ralph and Bonnie while I worked at Atria. He was such a kind and caring man and at no time was this more apparent than the way he cared for Bonnie. I remember him showing me pictures of his family gatherings and it was obvious how much he loved them. I will forever be grateful that I crossed paths with him and with all of his family that I had the pleasure of meeting.
In sympathy,
Stacy Archie (former receptionist)
Uncle Ralph
Uncle Ralph, you will be greatly missed. Recalling the times we were over at your place-mom, dad, Tim, and me. I don’t remember Michael being there but he must have been. All of us kids played together and ran up and down the hill in your back yard. I remember the 4th of Julys with you and Aunt Betty and then Bonnie. I usually sat with the adults. You and Dad played checkers and Uncle Frank and Uncle Harold played euchre. It was great seeing you both enjoying yourselves. Another memory is the time your family stayed with us for a while-that was really something! It meant a lot to me when you gave me two rocks from Greenland. I want to thank you too for the Christmas ornaments you gave Charlie and me. At your 20th anniversary party I didn’t get to talk to you, but glad we had a short talk at the ball game last year. I will miss those talks and I will miss you. Your loving niece, Mary Ann
Sorry to hear about the death of Ralph
Dear Bonnie and Family,
My condolences to you on the death of your husband and father, Ralph.
Will hold Ralph and your family in my prayers.
Keith Nilles
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