He was born in Jefferson City to Anthony Francis Nilges and Marjorie Emily Schauwecker Nilges. His mother, Marjorie Nilges Erhart and step-father, John Erhart, survive in Jefferson City. He was married on April 20, 1968 in Linn to JoAnn Scheulen who survives at the home. Other survivors include one son, John W. Nilges, Loose Creek; two daughters, Suzanne J. Dickneite and Cindy M. Pfahl, both of Westphalia; five grandchildren; and one brother, Larry R. Nilges, Jefferson City. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Westphalia, and a past president of the Men's Sodality; St. Joseph Cemetery Committee; Westphalia Lions Club; Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2693, Jefferson City; Western Catholic Union; and the Missouri Pork Producers Association. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church; St. Joseph Catholic School; or the American Cancer Society. He was a 1960 graduate of Fatima High School, Westpahlia. He farmed all of his adult life in the Westphalia, Linn, and Folk areas.