A Come & Go Celebration of Life for John Nefzger, age 72, of Milford formerly of Rapid City, South Dakota was held on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m., at the Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford.
John Leroy Nefzger was born on April 4, 1954, in Spencer, Iowa.
Because his father served in the United States Air Force, John spent his childhood living in many different places. One of his favorite places was Puerto Rico, where he enjoyed fishing and swimming in the ocean. He especially remembered catching lobster with his dad and the many lobster feeds that followed—so many, in fact, that he got sick of lobster.
John met Peggy on a blind date 40 years ago. Since it happened to be Peggy’s birthday, she always joked that John was her birthday present. After sharing nearly four decades together, John and Peggy were married on October 11, 2021.
Throughout his working years, John was hardworking, independent, and always willing to take on a project. He owned a NOVUS windshield repair franchise and also cut and split firewood that he sold in Rapid City, South Dakota. A talented and handy man, one of his proudest accomplishments was building Peggy her dream home on 12 acres in the Black Hills.
John and Peggy spent more than 30 years living in Rapid City and the Black Hills, including more than 20 years at the home John built. The Black Hills held a special place in his heart, as did Okoboji.
John was also incredibly proud of his sobriety. With the support and fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, he remained sober for nearly 36 years, an accomplishment that meant a great deal to him.
Following his mother’s passing, John’s faith became an important part of his life. He became a strong believer in Jesus Christ and spent two years studying religion from his home.
After John developed COPD four years ago and began requiring oxygen, he and Peggy made the difficult decision to leave South Dakota and move to Milford, Iowa, to be closer to family. Letting go of the life and property they had built in the Black Hills was not easy, but John saw it through, selling their final property on August 2, 2026.
John passed away at his home in Milford on October 31, 2026, with Peggy by his side. With the support of hospice, he was able to remain at home through the end of his life.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Peggy (Shumski) Nefzger of Milford; sister, Mary Beth Walz of Salt Lake; sister-in-law, Diane Markley of Milford; father-in-law, Duane Shumski of Milford; niece, Ashley Walz of Salt Lake; Calvin Nefzger of Rapid City; Charles Nefzger of Rapid City; nephew, Corbin Markley of Milford; extended family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Beverly (Smith) Nefzger; brothers, Mark and Robert Nefzger; mother-in-law, Jo Ann Shumski; and niece, Olivia Nefzger.
Arrangements were under the care of Turner Jenness Funeral Home.
