Obituary of Ralph Anthony Nilles

Ralph A. Nilles, 91, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2020 at Horizons Memory Care in Boone, NC. Ralph was born October 1, 1928 to Anthony and Edna (Rummel) Nilles in Madison, Wisconsin. He was an avid swimmer and gymnast for the University of Wisconsin where he graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry and was awarded two sports letters. He retired as an Environmentalist for Mecklenburg County and went on to work as a Park Service Ranger in Boone. As a volunteer for Samaritan's Purse, Watauga Medical Center, his Church and his Foscoe community, he received many services awards. He was recognized by the 112th Congress of the United States on August 1, 2011 for his volunteer efforts in the High Country. Ralph also served in the 27th Army Infantry during WWII. Ralph was predeceased by his beloved wife, Shirley (Motte) and his daughter Terry. He is survived by his son, Charles J. Nilles, and daughter Susan Burkhart (Damon), granddaughter Jessica Bishop (Hunter), great grandson Adam, grandson Damon J. Burkhart, brother Paul (Maizie) and loving nieces and nephews. Private gravesides were conducted in the White Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with the Nilles family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Nilles family.