Dr. K. Nehs

Dr. Douglas K. Nehs, Optometrist, age 80, of Waukesha, died Thursday, October 21, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 5, 1930 in Waukesha to Clyde and Mary Alice (Jones) Nehs. On August 4, 1956 he married Mary Jane Schalla at St. Charles Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls.    After graduating from UW Eau Claire and obtaining his Optometry degree from Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR, he returned to Waukesha in 1960 and began his practice. The love for his patients and his profession kept him young until his last exam at Nehs Family Vision Center at the age of 79. He was a lifetime member of the American and Wisconsin Optometric Association, as well as a member of Kettle Moraine Optometric Society. For many years he regularly donated his time to perform Hunter’s Safety Vision Screenings. Doug was a life member and past president of the Waukesha Noon Lions where he was a recipient of the Birch/Sturm and Melvin Jones Awards, the highest honors awarded by the Lions Club. He was instrumental in bringing the Blind Outdoor Leisure Development (B.O.L.D) to Wisconsin and securing sponsorship by Lions International. As an active and devout catholic, he was a member of many other groups such as the Serra Club of Waukesha. Doug was an avid golfer from his days caddying at Merrill Hills C.C. and the Mud Baths of Moordowns, until the last Nehs Father’s Day Golf Outing in June of this year. He spent most of his leisure time at his second home on Lake Wisconsin,   golfing, skiing and boating. his many friends and family will always remember his kindness, great sense of humor and storytelling.      Doug will be dearly missed by his wife Mary Jane of Pewaukee and their children Steven D. (Michelle) Nehs of Waukesha, Patricia Susan (David Roberts) Nehs of Hubertus, Thomas James (Jessica) Nehs of Waupun and Michael Joseph (Dana) Nehs of Chicago. Grandchilden: Nicholas Nehs (best buddy to grandpa), Jennifer Nehs, Joseph (Christina Deterville) Lowrey, Angela (Mike) Hively, Donny Bostwick, Callie Mendlesky, and Conner Mendlesky. Great-grandchildren: Alex, Lauren, Matt, and Cameron Hively. He is further survived by his sister Leatrice (Larry Gygax) Baker of Waukesha, brother Donald (Joanne) Nehs of Arizona, sister-in-law Katherine “Kitty” Nehs of Waukesha, brother-in-law James (Irene) Schalla of Mystic, CT, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Jack Nehs. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 26 from 4:00 pm until the 8:00 pm Vigil Service at Randle-Dable Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha. Services continue at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 27 with prayers beginning at 9:30 am followed by the procession to St. William Catholic Church, 440 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha for the 10:30 am Funeral Mass. Graveside services with full military honors will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery. Memorials are appreciated to Wisconsin Lions Foundation, 3834 County Rd. A, Rosholt, WI 54473, American Brain Tumor Association, ABTA 2720 River Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60018 or charity of donor’s choice. For further information, please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services at (262) 547-4035, or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com for directions or to leave an on-line tribute.