Etta O. Nehmelman

Born August 25, 1929 in Green Valley to Lewis and Leota (Griffin) Forbes, she married Adolph Junior Nehmelman on June 9, 1944 in Pekin. He died September 10, 2015 in Peoria. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one son-in-law, Rudy Hilst; two brothers, Earl Forbes and Kenneth Forbes; two sisters, Theresa Sams and Irene Close; one infant brother, Ewell Forbes and one infant sister, Gladys Pearl Forbes.

Surviving are one son, Eldred (Terri) Nehmelman of Green Valley; one daughter, Ruth Nehmelman-Hilst of Green Valley; four grandchildren, Clint Nehmelman of Green Valley, Robyn (Gary) Walker of Bloomington, Gayle (Keith) Fisher of Dewitt, Michigan and Rusty (Wendy) Hilst of Mason City and five great-grandchildren, Mia Fisher, Tanner Walker, Blake Walker, Austin Walker and Kendall Underwood.

A devoted farm wife, Etta previously worked for American Distilling Company in Pekin for 26 years.

She loved her family and being with her kids and grandkids. She also loved flowers and gardening. Etta was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed watching sports.

She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Manito. She was faithful in reading her Portals of Prayer and Jesus Calling devotional. Etta also liked doing embroidery work.

Her funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Manito. Pastor Matthew C. Berndt will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral at the church. Burial will follow in Green Valley Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 21819 North County Road 3300 East, Manito, IL 61546.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com