Mr. Nilhas was born on December 15, 1918 in Cornland, the son of George and Lilly Shannon Nilhas Sr. He married Iva Marie Pope on January 26, 1945 in Dawson, IL. She preceded him in death on May 28, 1994. He started working at the age of 16 for the Illinois Central Railroad. He also worked as a farmhand for many years and was a custodian in the Tri-City School district when he retired in 1980. Surviving are one son Kenneth (Mari) Nilhas of Springfield, four daughters, Anna Floyd of Illiopolis, IL, Joan Gettings of Illiopolis, IL, Mildred (George) Etter of Ashland, IL and Barbara (Michael) Nation of Springfield. He is also survived by one sister Martha Pruitt of Stonington, 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. His parents, brother Arthur and two grandchildren preceded him in death.
He served in the United States Army during WWII, was a member of the Buffalo Christian Church and the Mt. Pulaski Masonic Blue Lodge #87 AF and AM. He loved pitching horseshoes, camping and bowling.
Services for Mr. Nilhas will be 2:00 P.M. Monday April 4, 2011 at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Mt. Pulaski, with Mark Weber officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 P.M. Sunday April 3, 2011 also at the funeral home. Memorial s may be made to the American Lung Association. Burial will be in Constant Cemetery, Buffalo where full military rites will be accorded.