Walter Christian Nehls

Walter Christian Nehls, born July 24, 1942, in Watertown, Wisconsin, to Christian and Virginia (Lentz) Nehls, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 83. Raised on a dairy farm, he learned the value of hard work from an early age. His family later moved to Maryland, where they continued in the dairy business. He graduated from Walkersville High School in 1960, cherishing the friendships formed there and the lasting lessons from Coach William Talley, who taught him not only about basketball but about becoming a better person.

Walter proudly served his country as a captain in the Air Force during the 1960s, stationed in Texas, Greece, and Libya. After his military service, he pursued a variety of careers before establishing his own successful landscape business, which he operated until his retirement in the early 2000s. For 40 years, he and his wife Cheryl shared a deep love of travel, exploring much of the United States and Europe together. He particularly cherished visits to Prague and Budapest, though he was happy to go wherever Cheryl planned their next adventure.

Above all, Walter treasured time spent with family, enjoying good conversation and games. He is survived by his devoted wife, Cheryl; his sister Sharon Unger; his sister Sandra Linton and her husband Ron; his brother Richard Nehls and his wife Natasha; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and in-laws. A kind and gentle man, he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.