Richard L. “Duck” Nilges, 73, Westphalia, passed away peacefully at his home, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on Aug. 15, 1952, the son of Gus and Erma (Descher) Nilges in Jefferson City.
He was a 1970 graduate of Fatima High School in Westphalia, later graduating from Linn Technical College in 1977, and then receiving his bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University in 1980.
Richard proudly served his country in the U. S. Army.
He was united in marriage to Barbara Kever on June 2, 1973, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Richard was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Westphalia Lions Club.
He retired from the Bank of Freeburg as Chief Executive Officer in 2018 after 38 years of employment.
Richard loved to go golfing with his friends, but especially with his grandson Cody Bertels, spending time at the Bexten Farm and at Kenny’s Shop. He enjoyed his daily drives through Westphalia.
Richard was preceded in death by parents, Gus and Erma; brother, Daniel Nilges; and nephew, Gary Nilges.
He is survived by wife, Barb; children, Cory Nilges and wife Tricia of Loose Creek and Kellie Bertels and husband Jared of Westphalia; grandchildren, Kendal, Eliza and Addisyn Nilges and Lacy and Cody Bertels; siblings; Judy Howell, Kenny Nilges and wife Debbie, Janice Nilges, and Randy Nilges and wife Denise, all of Westphalia and Jerry Nilges and wife Diane of Loose Creek.
Visitation will be held from 9 until 11 a.m., on Friday, March 13, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia, with Rev. Dylan Schrader officiating.
Interment with Military Honors will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus.
Arrangements entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Westphalia. trimblefunerals.com
