Elvin L. Nuest, 88, of Francesville, IN passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at South Bend Memorial Hospital. Elvin was born on April 8, 1938, in Kouts, IN to the late Lester and Anna (Farney) Nuest. He graduated from Kouts High School in 1956 and was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1961 -63. Elvin began his career as a farmer, then took a position as a sales representative marketing agriculture products. His passion for farming lead him to develop humic products for the agriculture industry. Due to his love and devotion to Jesus Christ, Elvin was a loyal member of the Apostolic Christian Church in LaCrosse. It should come as no surprise that Elvin loved to talk to people, and this social skill served only to endear his friends and customers to him.
Elvin married Janet Lowery on August 20, 1961, in Congerville, IL and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Janet survives along with their children: Ken Nuest of Francesville, Dan (Cathy) Nuest of Medaryville, Ron Nuest of Francesville, Sandra (Ted) Steffen of Byron Center, MI, Janelle (Dave) Klotzle of Simi Valley, CA, Len (Julie) Nuest of Monticello, IN, Karen (Mark) Wettstein of Lamar, MO, son-in-law, John (Tamara) Lehman of Wolcott, IN, 29 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, siblings: Vernon (Karen) Nuest of Kouts, Verna Mae Lehman of Remington, IN, Larry (Jane) Nuest of Francesville, Dwight (Judi) Nuest of Kouts, and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Ruth Ann Lehman, brother, Richard Nuest, grandson, Phillip Nuest and brother-in-law, Gene Lehman.
A visitation will be held Thursday, October 1st from 3 – 7 pm CDT at Kosanke Funeral Home, 309 S. Main St., Kouts, IN. The funeral service will be held Friday, October 2nd 10:00 am CDT at the LaCrosse Apostolic Christian Church with ministers of the church officiating and burial to follow at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery of LaCrosse.
GUESTBOOK
Jan & Family, So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear loved one. You were always a very special couple and family to us. May God bless you all in this time of grief. Our love, -Steve & Gerri Schrock
Oh, Jan, it has been years since we have seen each other but seeing Elvin’s obit brought back a flood of memories from before we were married and then, after. God is good…all the time. May you feel His comfort. Hugs and prayers. -Shirley Gudeman Steiner
I thank God for my cousin Elvin as he served his Lord, his family, his country and his community. I have great memories at the Farney reunions, Florida, thanksgiving and special occasions. Thank you Elvin. Love you and I will come visit you and our parents and our cousins and our siblings one when God calls me home. Prayers for the families. -Ron Bodager
Dear Jan and family I love you my dear, so many memories of long ago helping you with your young family. May you rest in the comfort of our dear Lord. As God states in Isaiah 54 verses 4-5 he will now be your husband since your mate of 65 years has departed this earth to go home to heaven. Prayers for you and your family in the days ahead Love, -Mary Schrock
Janet and family: I know this has been a tough time but you are a strong family and will lean on each other. I have many fond memories with Elvin, particularly riding along on his sales trips to Shipsewana. I learned a lot about Humates and Elvin’s passion for natural farming. We even stopped for ice cream sometimes. Will sure miss him, but glad he is free from the pain he was enduring so bravely. Silas (Uncle Si to the Nuest kids) -Silas Berry
Dear Jan & family, You all have our sympathy & prayers. May God be with you & comfort you! -Duane & Jill Gudeman
Randy and I send our sincere sympathy in your loss. God blessed your father with a wonderful family and we pray that God will comfort you in your loss. -Karen Kellenberger
Jan, Sorry to hear the news on Elvin. Matter of fact I was just with Lenny last week at the HPTA Conference where he was sharing the complications Elvin was having. My prayers go out to you and your family. We all have found memories of Elvin. He taught me a lot about sustainable ag. God's blessings, -Michael Erdman
Sorry for your loss, Karen and Mark. I can only imagine how wonderful he was by knowing you, Karen. My prayers are with you and I know it is sad to lose a Dad, Love always, -Regina & David Park
