Carmen Nilges

Carmen Anne Nilges, 77, of North Sioux City, died peacefully at her home on Dec. 28, 2016.
Celebration of life services will be 2 to 5 p.m. today, New Year's Day, at McCook Lake Izaak Walton League (Ike’s Club), 215 Suncoast Dr., North Sioux City. Arrangements are under the direction of Berkemier Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Carmen was born in Pender, Neb., to Charles and Lillian (Hanika) Meier. In her childhood years, she resided in Pender, later moving to Sioux City, where she graduated from Heelan High School.
She married Leroy Nilges on Oct. 7, 1961, at St. John's Catholic Church in Pender. They lived in Pender, Elk Point, S.D., on the Missouri River in North Sioux City, and most recently at McCook Lake. They wintered in The Villages, Fla. Carmen's career started in nursing. Later, she and Leroy became prominent business owners in North Sioux, purchasing Miller Liquor Store in 1976. Their son, John and his wife, Sharon continue the business today.
Carmen, loved by all, was known for living life to the fullest. She was a talented artist, crafter and an excellent cook. Countless family memories are captured in her scrap books. A fun-loving wife, parent, grandmother and great-grandmother, Carmen was known for her parties. She was highly prideful of her Indian heritage and was a member of the Omaha Indian Tribe. Carmen and Leroy were active parishioners of Blessed Teresa parish.
Carmen and Leroy have two children. John is married to Sharon. They have three children, Andrew, Michael and Kathryn. Andrew is married to Erin with a son, Bennett Leroy and another great-grandchild on the way. They all live in North Sioux. Anne is married to Ed. They too have three children, Lillian Anne, John Henry and Isabel Frances, all living in Kansas City.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Florence Hastings and Ferne Gricus.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to: St. Augustine Indian Mission, P.O. Box GG, Mission Road 1 South, Winnebago, NE 68071.