Ewald Nehring
Ewald Nehring, 91, of Meriden, CT passed peacefully surrounded by family on June 16, 2017. Born in 1926 in Germany to Wilhelm and Johanna Wimbler Nehring, he was the eldest born to a farming family of 8. At 16 he was called by his country to serve as a soldier in the WWII. He was trained in a Panzer 88 and was at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He was captured by the Americans and escaped after hospitalization for battle wounds; he was then captured by the Russians and sent to Siberia to work on Russian infrastructure. After spending 5 years in Siberia he was released back to Germany where he set his dreams on moving west helping many siblings escape Eastern Europe. When in Siberia he learned to weld railroad rails. On his return to Germany he landed a job in Wolfsburg in the Volkswagen plant as a frame welder. In Wolfsburg he met Elvira “Holli” Nuse, got married, and fulfilled his dream of coming to America. They came into Ellis Island in 1956 and went directly to Meriden, Connecticut. He worked for Specialty Metals. He was not a member of the Masons, Shriners, or a politician; but he was a great employee, and an artist with a welding torch. He was a teacher of many, and all students thought more of an approval from him than a doctorate from a university. His hobby was repairing and building things for family and friends. His craft was his life and all he wanted from life was a happy family. He worked in the weld shop until he was 89 and continued to work on family projects until the day before he died. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and believed the harder you work, the more God does to help you. Ewald is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Elvira; son, Uwe Nehring and his wife Patricia; daughter, Rosemary Morin and her husband Matthew (his “favorite son-in-law”); grandchildren, Bradley Nehring and his wife Maureen and Tyson Nehring; adopted daughter, Judy Thompson; brothers, Willi and Erik; sisters, Talita, Hannah, and Gretel, along with many loved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Otto and Albert. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Tuesday, June 20th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT -FLATOW FUNERAL HOME, 48 Cook Ave, Meriden followed by a Service at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Meriden Humane Society.
I was honored to be with him at his last breath, now rest well my sweet Uncle for you have lived long and well, leaving quite a legacy for many who knew you! I am so grateful for all the memories and smiles, we will all miss you ever so much! Love and admiration forever until we all meet again! Your niece, Ilona
Tante Holli, Uwe, Rosemary, I was so blessed to visit with you last year and this past Spring. Uncle Ewald’s smile, twinkle in his eye is how I remember him growing up. I learned a lot about how the families came to America this last visit, things I never knew. Alot of good memories growing up next door to you, it was meant to be when Mom and Dad bought that house….Now, another new journey for the Families, Stay strong, good memories are always in our hearts and in our soul we, who have lost loved ones will never be lonely, because we are surrounded by Loving families and friends….it’s in God’s hand… Love you, Alfred
I worked with Ewald for over 18 years. I am also a neighbor of his on Sunset Ave. He was a great person and will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences go out to the family at this time. Especially to Holli. Diane Tierney
Over the years everyone who has ever met Ewald has said how very talented he is. -How creative and inventive can one man be?- -He has a work ethic that doesn’t exist anymore.- -He pays attention to all the little details that make the difference between getting a job done and getting the job done right.- -Ewald is a fabulous teacher, always an encouraging word to help anyone learn-. -He should have customers, they would be delighted to pay him BIG bucks for his work.- -If Ewald had gone into business for himself, he would be very wealthy.- I agree with everything all those people said. We all have examples of his work in our homes or back yard and have shared a project or two working right beside him. I loved that Ewald always made time for a coffee break! Here is the deal. If Ewald had chosen to run his own business he would have put 150% of himself into it as he did with every other thing in his life. He very likely would have been very successful and would have made lots of money. BUT, everyone who was warmed by his kindness would have been denied the privilege of knowing him. Ewald was a humble man, devoted to his wife and children and everyone who he touched was richer because of the experience. Ewald was very wealthy, wealthier than anyone you or I will ever know. His wealth is the family and friends he grew and nurtured throughout his 91 well lived years. I will miss you terribly but have beautiful memories and moments we shared together. They will go on forever. Your -adopted daughter- Judy
This obituary was beautiful and moving, he was obviously a beautiful man. I am fortunate to know his daughter Rosemary and son-in-law Matt, two wonderful people. I’m so sorry for your loss and my prayers go out to the entire family.
I met Ewald when I was a young man in a welding shop. Although, I did not remain there long, I marveled at his talent for fabrication. I was even more impressed with the patience and kindness in his character. Wonderful man that left a lasting impression on me. God bless him and his family.