Richard L. "Duck" Nilges

Richard L. “Duck” Nilges, 73, of Westphalia, passed away peacefully at his home, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on August 15, 1952, in Jefferson City, the son of Gus and Erma (Descher) Nilges.

Richard 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.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Richard was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Westphalia Lions Club.

He was united in marriage on June 2, 1973, to Barbara Kever at St. Joseph Catholic Church who survives at the home.

Richard retired from the Bank of Freeburg as Chief Executive Officer in 2018 after 38 years of employment.

He 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.

Survivors include his wife, Barb; two children, Cory (Tricia) Nilges, Loose Creek, Kellie (Jared) Bertels, Westphalia; five grandchildren, Kendal Nilges, Eliza Nilges, Addisyn Nilges, Lacy Bertels and Cody Bertels; siblings; Judy Howell, Westphalia, Kenny (Debbie) Nilges, Westphalia, Janice Nilges, Westphalia, Jerry (Diane) Nilges, Loose Creek, and Randy (Denise) Nilges, Westphalia.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Daniel Nilges, and a nephew, Gary Nilges.

Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dylan Schrader officiating.

Burial with military honors will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice Compassus.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Westphalia. trimblefunerals.com