Elwyn E. Nigh, 72, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids.
Elwyn was born on the home farm in the Town of Pine Grove, Bancroft, WI, the son of George and Charlotte (Ennenga) Nigh on June 19, 1953. He spent weekends with Sentry Insurance, installing lawn sprinkler systems, heating/cooling units throughout the Stevens Point area. His path eventually led him to Sacramento, CA, where he worked for Whirlpool and earned his Realtor License. Elwyn established IPMG where he sold and rented homes. He also enjoyed hauling potatoes and corn for Weekly Farms, a job that reflected both his strong work ethic and his appreciation for community ties. For a time, he owned and operated a bar before deciding to sell it and pursue other opportunities.
In 2005 Elwyn returned to Plainfield where life took a joyful turn. While visiting his brother, Orin said: “There’s a nice lady that’s a waitress that you should ask out.” That simple outing to a favorite local restaurant became life-changing.
He met Patricia Elliott, the woman who would become his wife. They were married on June 23, 2007 in Plainfield, WI and together built a loving family, blessed with four stepchildren and cherished grandchildren who brought him endless pride and happiness.
Faith was at the heart of his life. He religiously helped at Joseph’s Hope Food Pantry, living out his belief in service to others. Each morning, he began his day in gratitude, thanking the Lord for another blessing and opening his Bible to draw strength and guidance. He held a deep conviction that education should be accessible to all. Together with Patricia, they created a memorial scholarship at MSTC to help make that dream possible.
Above all, his greatest joy was his family. He treasured every moment with his children and grandchildren – whether birdwatching from the back porch, reading stories aloud, teaching them the rules of the game, or proudly attending their dance recitals. His love, faith and generosity left a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Elwyn is survived by his loving wife Patricia, stepchildren: Shaun Zwetz (Brittany), Justin (Amanda) Zwetz, Kyle Zwetz (Danielle), Jennifer (Josh) Allen; grandchildren, Kimberli and Tucker Zwetz, Alexa and Cameron Zwetz, MaKenna, Carter, Evelyn and Tate Zwetz, Peyton, Rylee and Olivia Allen, great-grandson Cole Meddaugh; brothers Irvan (Phyllis),
Harvey (Joan), George (Tonya) and Brian (Kim); sisters, Denise (Art) Meyer and Elveta Prahl; sisters-in-law, Karen, Barb, Pam (Terry) Tomschin, Lou Goman (special friend Ralph); brother-in-law Tom (Kathy) Elliott; Aunt Louise Brown.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Hugh, Harlan, Orin and (Charlotte), Sister Charlene (Raymond) Applebee, father-in-law and mother-in-law Alvin and Shirley Elliott, and special lady Miss Tiny.
Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at New Life Assembly of God Church in Plainfield, WI Visitation will be from 11:30 am until the time of service at the church. Pastor Roger Wright will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at the Plainfield Cemetery in Plainfield, WI. The family requests a “NUT FREE ENVIRONMENT” as a granddaughter has a severe allergy to nuts.
