The community of Crystal Lake, Illinois, is mourning the loss of coach Kenneh “Ken” E. Nehring, who passed away at 96.
A graduate of Watertown High School, Ken attended the University of Wisconsin, Plateville from 1848 to 1951, and later graduated in 1954 while serving in the Army, including a tour of Korea.
Ken started his coaching career in Boadhead, Wisconsin, from 1954-55, just a couple of years after getting married to his first wife in 1953.
He had decades of experience as a teacher and coach, and also moonlighted. Ken started coaching at Whitewater High School in 1955 and worked there until 1989, dedicating a huge chunk of his life to the school.
The laste coach also served as a caretaker for over two decades at Camp Singing Hills on Lauderdale Lake for the Racine County Girl Scouts.
More than just a Coach
Over 34 seasons in the High School, he coached 739 games with a 470–269 overall record. His Southern Lakes Conference mark from 1955–1989 was 306–137.
Nehring’s teams finished first or tied for first eight times; the 1969–70 squad went undefeated at 18–0.
His teams won multiple District and Regional WIAA tournaments and advanced to Sectional competition.
Several of his players earned Southern Lakes Conference honors, and a few achieved All-State recognition.
Due to his work ethic, he was also honored by the community after coaching the Gym in 1989. It was named Ken Nehring Gym.
In 2019, when the floor was redone, the Gym’s logo and his signature were also preserved, suggesting the strong legacy there.
The coach was also inducted into the Wisconsin Coaches Hall of Fame in 1990. Additionally, he was also a Hall of Famer for the UW-Platteville in 2002, thanks to his service as a player for the University.
Beyond Coaching, he was also a die-hard sports fan who followed the Warhawks, Popneers, Badgers, Bucks, Brewers, and Packers.
He even played in the WIAC and was fascinated to get a job in Whitewater, in his own community, so he could follow the league.
Ken was also active in Civic life, volunteering for the Whitewater Lions Club and the American Legion.
The visitation for the late Coach and one of Whitewater’s finest individuals is scheduled for 10 AM on December 6, 2025, with other services to follow at Noon at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater.
The family has also asked the fellow individuals to make donations to the Whitewater High School Basketball Program, the Whitewater Lions Club, or the Church instead of bringing flowers.
