Jean Nihiser

Jean (Voltenberg) Nihiser, 94, of Decatur, slipped peacefully from this world on the morning of June 25, 2025, at 6:30 a.m.
Jean was born February 12, 1931, in Findlay, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur and Rhoda (Patient) Voltenberg. Jean grew up on a small farm in rural Illinois where she learned the value of hard work, a love of animals (especially cats and tigers), and general “no goodery” with special cousin and lifelong best friend, Barb Sutton.
She married the love of her life, Dale Leroy Nihiser, on April 18, 1954. The two of them set the gold standard for lovebirds until Dale’s passing in 1997, and that same love never went away. After a twenty-eight year intermission, we’re pretty sure their reunion now includes dancing, fishing, playing cards, setting up the motorhome at the campground, and getting caught up on the news, with an affectionate, “Hey ma”, “Hey pa”.
Jean was the proud and loving mother of four sons Jerry “Doc” (Peg) Nihiser, Dale Alan (Ruth) Nihiser, Steven (Jennifer) Nihiser, and Dan (Tina) Nihiser. Later she was also reunited with her late sister’s son, Jerry Joe, who she always enjoyed speaking with or having visits. In addition to this, she enjoyed regular Friday Fish Fry at Cracker Barrel with her great friend Doris Crowell. She also enjoyed cards and companionship of all her friends at the Sullivan Senior Center.
Surviving are her sons Dale Alan (Ruth) Nihiser, Steven (Jennifer) Nihiser, and Dan (Tina) Nihiser, grandchildren Jeremy (Lacy), Justin (Kyla), Kelly, Kelsey (Rudy), Christopher, Kathrine (Scott), Marissa, Heather, Patricia, Samantha (George), and Lindsey, cousin Barb Sutton, nephew Jerry Joe, and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Jerry in 2016, siblings Doris, Pearl, Virginia, Everett, and Morris. We take comfort imagining the heavenly welcome she received from all of them.
Jean was the kind of woman who could beat you at cards without even looking at her hand. A fierce Wii Bowling competitor, she regularly won against her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids with a grin and a laugh.
She loved NASCAR, especially Jeff Gordon, golf, and all things furry and four legged. Her spirit was just like her favorite animals, independent, proud, and full of quiet strength. Over the years, she had several pets, namely a long line of Siamese cats, all named Deacon Jones.
Jean’s legacy is one of laughter, love, strong will, and a little mischief. She lived an incredibly long life, saw amazing and wonderful times, more than many could hope for across the span of multiple lifetimes. She will be dearly missed in her roles as the family historian, the curator of photos, and the best storyteller of all.
Services to celebrate Jean’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2025, in Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Point Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Jean’s honor may be directed to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements by Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home, 105 W. Main St. Mt. Zion, view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.calvertmemorial.com.