Earl Arthur Nehring

Earl Arthur Nehring, 99, died on January 31, 2020 at Presbyterian Manor of Lawrence. He was born in Gildford, Montana on May 28, 1920, the son of Arthur and Myrtle (Burfield) Nehring.

He graduated from Gildford High School in 1936. He attended Northern Montana College from 1936 – 1938 and the University of Montana, Missoula, from 1938 – 1940. He graduated in 1940 with a B.A. in History and Political Science.

He served in the USAAF-Air Transport Command from 1942 – 1946. He was employed in the title insurance business in Los Angeles, California from 1946 – 1950. He entered UCLA Graduate School in 1950, obtaining an M.A. Degree in 1952 and a Ph.D. Degree in 1958.

He taught at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana from 1956 – 1958, then came to the University of Kansas in 1958, where he was a member of the Political Science Department until his retirement in 1985. He served as Department Chairman from 1972 – 1981.

He married Harriet Burgess in Santa Monica, California, August 18, 1956. She preceded him in death in August 2007.

During his retirement years he has been an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence and an active supporter of Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC), a local non-profit organization working to ensure quality long-term care for elder Kansans. His wife, Harriet, was a co-founder of KABC in 1975. He also regularly delivered meals for the Douglas County Senior Services from 1986 – 2014.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Maria Nehring, of Austin, Texas; his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy Nehring and Mark Rudoff, of Columbus, Ohio, and four grandchildren: Julia and Sarah Nehring and Helena and Jackson Rudoff.

The family suggests memorials to Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC), 536 Fireside Court, Suite B, Lawrence, KS 66049 or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Earl’s family thanks the staff of Presbyterian Manor and the Visiting Nurses Association for their loving care of our Papa.

9 Condolences

  1. Mr. Kim R. Wrench on February 1, 2020 at 6:26 pm

    Dear Neil and Family,

    I want you to know you are in my thoughts. So sorry for your loss.

    Mr. Kim R.Wrench
    Kansas City, Mo 64114



  2. Anthony Lang on February 2, 2020 at 9:31 am

    Mr Nehring will always have a special place in our hearts and our home.

    The Langs
    810 Avalon



  3. Ronald Coffman on February 2, 2020 at 10:08 am

    Please accept my deepest sympathies for your family’s loss. I met Earl at senior support group. I really enjoyed speaking with him.



  4. Martha rose on February 2, 2020 at 1:00 pm

    Nancy,
    I am so sorry to hear of your father’s death. Leslie is on a trip, but I will be in touch with her to let her know. Martha



  5. Melinda Hammond on February 2, 2020 at 1:02 pm

    I met Earl at Caregiver Support group here in Lawrence at Senior Center. He inspired me to jion KABC. Sending healing thoughts.



  6. Shari Quick on February 2, 2020 at 6:40 pm

    What a wonderful man Earl was and what a spectacular life he lived. I am so happy our paths crossed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed.



  7. William Merrill Downer on February 3, 2020 at 4:53 pm

    “Professor Nehring” for all my studies in political science, undergraduate through Ph.D. at KU (1959-1977)…. He and Eldon Fields were my guiding stars, best critics, most thoughtful supporters. Warm and helpful always, Earl Nehring often came to mind in my professorial teaching career, reminding me to be gentle, helpful, and attentive. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.



  8. Sheila Warren on February 5, 2020 at 7:09 am

    Earl was amazing in so many ways, but I loved his kindness and his smile. He always talked lovingly about his wife and family. He was looking forward to his 100th Birthday party. Bye Earl.



  9. Julia Parker on April 22, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    I had the honor of meeting Earl when delivering meals on wheels, before he moved to Presbyterian Manor. He was always so kind and welcoming to my toddler, who loved how many ceiling fans Earl’s apartment had. Earl would share stories with me about his family and wife while letting Darcy flip the switch for the fans on and off. Sending my condolences and feeling gratitude for the time I did get to spend with him.



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