Edward John “Johnny” Nixon

Edward John Nixon “Johnny", age 85, of Rhinelander, died on Sept. 16, 2024, after a short illness at the Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital. He was born in Rhinelander on Aug. 7, 1939 to William and Patricia (Dobosenski) Nixon.

Johnny grew up in Rhinelander and graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1957. Following high school, he started working at Rhinelander Paper Company where he was employed for over 40 years. He was a union representative at the paper mill and was given the nickname “The Commish” by his union team. On July 12, 1958, he married his middle and high school sweetheart the former Carol Cooper. Together they had two sons and enjoyed over 62 years of marriage, still very much in love at the time of her passing in October of 2020. In their later years they loved to take rides together in the country often stopping at a casino to try their luck or at a bar for lunch.

John was the biggest sports fan, he loved the Packers and held season tickets, he was even in the stands at the infamous Ice Bowl. As a younger man he enjoyed playing fastpitch softball in the municipal leagues at Pioneer Park. He played in high school and municipal basketball teams and talked about playing the Packers basketball team that included Ray Nitschke. John was an avid golfer and a member of Rhinelander and Northwood country clubs. He loved snowmobiling, and camping with friends and family and the sing-alongs around the campfire where he played his guitar. He was a member of the Nativity of Lord Catholic Church for his entire life.

John is survived by his sons Michael (Lois) Nixon of Blaine, Minn. and William (Jane) Nixon of Mount Horeb. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents William and Patricia Nixon, his infant granddaughter Lilly Ann Nixon, his infant brother Eugene, and brothers Thomas, Richard and David.

There will be a visitation for John held on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, from 9 to 11 a.m., with a Memorial Mass following at 11 a.m., all at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. 

Father Chris Kemp will be officiating.

You may leave your private condolences for the Nixon family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is handling the arrangements for the family.