Sergeant First Class Howard L. Nigh, age 62 of rural Shullsburg, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2018 at his home with his wife Nancy by his side after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 23, 1956 in San Francisco, Calif., the son of Donald and Patricia (Howard) Nigh. Howard grew up and graduated high school in Hartland. Directly after high school, Howard joined the United States Army at the young age of 17.  Throughout his military career SFC Nigh served honorably for his country, serving two tours in Germany, one tour in Korea, and one tour in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War.  From this dedicated service for our country Howard received numerous medals including: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Army Commendation, Army Achievement Award, Meritorious Service Medal and Purple Heart, amongst others. After many years of travel from base to base, Howard retired from the United States Military in 2000 at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.   Following retirement, he received an associate’s degree as a heating and air conditioning service technician from Illinois College and started working in Freeport, Ill. Howard also fulfilled his dream to become a hobby farmer.  He raised chickens, ducks and goats all while working.  Howard was united in marriage to Nancy Derrickson on June 24, 2011 in Waupaca.  After 10 years as a technician and hobby farmer, Howard left the farm to find solitude in rural Shullsburg with his wife Nancy and two dogs, Aussie and Beamer.  At this time, he slowed down to appreciate the simpler things in life.  Howard enjoyed woodworking, landscaping, tinkering with various machines and electrical components, making detailed tin soldiers in his foundry, and most importantly traveling on various adventures with his loving wife Nancy.
Howard is survived by his wife Nancy at home; four children: Michael Nigh of Jacksonville, Fla., Richard Nigh of Granite City, Ill., Deborah Nigh of Alabaster, Ala., and Daniel Nigh of California; three sisters: Kathryn (Ken) Schneider of Hartland, Kelly (John) Maxfield of Watertown, and Mari Beth Nigh of Leadmine; four grandchildren: Brittney and Mackenzie Nigh, Carson Rogers, and Brantley Nigh-Foulker.  He was preceded in death by his parents.
Howard was a proud member of the Shullsburg VFW Post 10533, serving as Quarter Master. He was also a member of Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington, serving on the Honor Guard.  He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
A funeral service will be held Friday, May 4, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Erickson Funeral Home (235 N. Judgement Street, Shullsburg) with Rev. Sudhakar Devarapu of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Shullsburg officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Shullsburg where military graveside rites will be accorded by Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 in Darlington. A visitation will be held Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Howard’s name.