JOHN NEIN

John Nein, 92 and a resident at Island Shores assisted living facility, peacefully passed on Monday morning, June 15th, with his special family by his side at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisconsin.  

John formerly resided in Lombard, Illinois, but came to Neenah three years ago to be closer to family.  He was born in Detroit to Joseph and Betty Nein on May 20, 1928.  Both of his parents were born and raised in Lauf-Nuerenberg, Germany, but were married in Detroit.  John also had an older sister named Helen, and a younger sister named Betty.  Both are deceased along with his parents.

The family moved to Milwaukee when John was an infant.  Starting school was initially a challenge because he could only speak German.  The family moved to Chicago when John was a teen, where John graduated from high school and focused on his trade for later in life as a machinist.  He honed his skills in this area and received his Journeyman's cards as a tool and die maker and also a patternmaker. 

Prior to embarking on his career, immediately out of high school, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on a destroyer that patrolled the east coast.  Upon discharge he came to Wausau, Wisconsin, where his parents had moved, and initially served as a bartender at their supper club, the Little Bavarian Inn, where he could mix a mean brandy Manhattan and pour a stout German beer with a wry smile.

In Wausau, John met and later married Ellen Schulz on November 14, 1953.  This marriage brought two children – Jo Ellen and John, Jr.  After a short stint in Clintonville, Wisconsin, John and Ellen moved to Lombard in 1965 to be in an area where there was ample need for John's machinist skills at General Electric and later at General Motors.  Ellen died in 2008, ending 55 years of marriage.

Besides his two children, John is survived by granddaughter Jessica Dinka (Shawn) of Neenah, grandson Kyle Batchen of Chicago, and three great granddaughters: Camille Dinka, Addison Dinka, and Gabrielle Batchen.  Also special to John were his nephew Paul Schulz and his wife Mary of Neenah.

John was known for his mechanical intuition and ability to fix anything.  He was a willing worker and was able to adapt in his life to changing circumstances.  His was honest, and people liked him after they got to know him, especially his positive and fun sense of humor.  God was part of his and Ellen's life, and they were faithful members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Villa Park, IL.   

Recognition is given to the Theda Clark medical and ThedaCare hospice staff and Susan Jares who cared for John during his last days, especially for being so considerate.

A private service will be held at a later date with final interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.  Any memorials should be directed to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Villa Park, IL.