James Nebel

James “Jim” Fredrick Nebel, born June 27, 1929 in Schaumburg, Illinois, died peacefully in his sleep on December 13, 2021 after 92 years of being a loyal friend, a loving husband and father, and a selfless public servant.

After graduating from Arlington High school, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force. From 1950-1954 attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and served honorably in the Korean War. During his time in Korea, he began writing letters to a Patricia “Pat” Ann Mangels back in Roselle, whom he knew through a mutual friend. The two exchanged letters back and forth at least once a week for the duration of his active-duty tour and fell in love this way.

Jim and Pat were married for 68 years. After “roughing it” in a cute, beach-side house in Ventura, California for a year or two, Jim and Pat returned to the Chicagoland area to be close to family. They were the owners of Roselle Greenhouses, which they operated for nearly 40 years with much success. Jim was the face of the florist business associated with delivering comfort for those that were grieving, and joy for those celebrating life and love.

He also worked part time for the Roselle Police Department for 10 years and was a volunteer firefighter with the Roselle Fire Department for 35 years. During that time, he remained on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Greenhouse and public service were well-balanced by time with family, friends and social activities. Jim was a member of the Roselle American Legion Post 1084, attended Roselle United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, and belonged to many golf and bowling leagues. He and Pat vacationed with life-long friends every summer, gathered with extended family frequently - laughing often - and always gave to others generously.

Jim was the foundation to a family for which he always put others before himself - whether that meant letting his grandchildren have the last cookie or sleeping on a hide abed for many years so that family members could have their own rooms under his roof. He enjoyed good chocolate, Coca-Cola (and in later years - begrudgingly, under doctor’s orders - Coke-Zero), and watching the Cubs.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Patricia; brothers Wayne, Frank, Delano; sister-in law-Gail and his parents Raymond “Jim” and Hattie (nee Botterman) Nebel. He is survived by his children Marcia (John) Sprengel, Brad, Cody (Lisa) Nebel; grandchildren Jenna (Brian Groszek), Brett, Kylee, Matt Sprengel, Alexandra, Gianna and Victoria Nebel; siblings Ginger (Burl) Martin, Wesley (Jan), Russell (Cindy) and David (Judy) Nebel; many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation Wednesday, December 15, 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 333 S. Roselle Road (1/2 mile south of Irving Park Road) Roselle. Funeral Thursday, 10:30am. Interment Lakewood Memorial Park. **Due to Covid-19 restrictions masks are required.

For information (630)529-5751 or www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com