James "Jim" A. Nehrt, age 82, of Carlyle, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Aviston Countryside Manor following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born on January 17, 1944, in Breese, Illinois, he was the beloved son of Elmer and Anna (Hermsmeyer) Nehrt.

On October 8, 1966, Jim married his devoted wife, Rosalyn "Rosie" Kueper, with whom he shared 59 wonderful years. Rosie survives him in Carlyle, along with their cherished children: Julie Erlinger and her husband Kevin of Champaign, Illinois; Randy Nehrt and his wife Kim of Springfield, Illinois; and Brad Nehrt and his wife Rayna of Plainfield, Indiana. He was a proud grandfather to Dominic and Anthony Erlinger, Eli and Owen Nehrt, and Corbin and Devyn Nehrt.

Jim is also survived by his two sisters, Judy Johnson and JoAnn Gross, and her husband, Dan; sister-in-law, Kathy Nehrt; brothers-in-law, Tom Kueper and his wife, Ruth, and Paul Kueper and his wife, Bonnie; as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Elmer Nehrt; sister, Jeanette Carter; brother, John Nehrt; brothers-in-law, Wayne Carter and Kenneth Johnson; and his parents-in-law, Ralph and Kathryn (Altadonna) Kueper.

Jim was a devoted member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Carlyle. He dedicated his entire adult career to Willert Home Products as a mechanical engineer. He cherished working outdoors and had a great passion for cars, tractors, and airplanes. A skilled pilot, he owned his own plane for a time, and he also enjoyed snow skiing. He had a love for photography and enjoyed traveling and shared this love with his family. Above all, Jim treasured spending time with his family and friends.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Carlyle. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Carlyle. Visitation will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 AM on the same day at Messiah Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers and other gifts, the family kindly requests memorials be made to Messiah Lutheran Church or the Michael J. Fox Foundation, supporting efforts to rid the world of this horrible disease known as Parkinson’s. Memorial contributions may be made by using the link provided below, or may be received at the church or Nordike Funeral Home, 740 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231.