Hans L. Nufer

Hans L. Nufer, age 97, of Wildwood, Missouri passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024. He was born in Bodnegg, Germany on March 28, 1926 to Hans and Flora Nufer (nee Pfeiffer). He had three siblings - Irmgard, Herbert and Manfred.

Hans had the courage to leave his home as he pursued a better life in America. He immigrated to the United States in 1953 and was sponsored by relatives who lived in south St. Louis to become a US citizen. With his prior experience working in the chemical industry, Hans was able to quickly get a job at Monsanto chemical company as a technician. He enrolled in Washington University while working full time at night. Upon graduation with a degree in chemistry in 1958, Hans began doing research at Monsanto. During his career, Hans was awarded 9 patents for a variety of chemical compositions in the field of organic chemistry. Hans was noted for his exceptional ability to design the chemical processes that enabled large scale manufacturing. He retired from Monsanto in 1987.

Hans immediately went back to work at a startup company called HemaGen. Hans worked on synthesizing various materials to produce artificial human blood. This was the capstone of his career. Hans finally retired for good several years later.

In 1957 Hans married the love of his life Judy and soon after they started their family. He was a wonderful husband and took great care of Judy for the 53 years they were together. The last 10 years of Judy's life were challenging after being diagnosed with dementia. Hans was a devoted caretaker until her death in 2010.

Hans was a good provider to his family and demonstrated a strong work ethic. He was a supportive father and encouraged his children to follow their passions. He helped his children pursue educations in their chosen fields. Hans was very involved his grandchildren's lives. He often babysat them as young children. They all loved their Opa. He enjoyed watching them take part in their school activities and sports. Hans could often be seen helping them in the pits at motorcycle and car races.

Hans was a lifelong learner and embraced new technology. He was always sneaking new equipment into the house. His passions included photography and film making. Hans loved to captain his sailboat and was often found at Carlyle Lake on the weekends with his family. He played tennis for most of his life and enjoyed playing that sport with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Hans and Judy successfully competed in the Monsanto tennis league where they frequently vanquished other competitors in the mixed doubles category. Hans also enjoyed bicycling and switched to an electric bike when in his 90s.

Hans was an avid traveler and always up for adventure. In his early years he flew glider planes. He loved motorcycles and took several cross-country trips with his son. Hans and his family enjoyed exploring the United States and visiting relatives back in Europe. He later went on cruises around the world and made numerous new friends.

Hans is survived by his loving children, Lore (Robert) Wenz, Kurt (Jill) Nufer, and Ann (Mark) Cotter; treasured grandchildren, Christopher Burke, Brittany (Nick) Hankins, Madison Nufer, Nicholas Nufer, Christian Cotter, Colin Cotter, and Julianna Cotter; precious great-grandchild Natasha Hankins; and a host of other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy Nufer; cherished daughter, Anita Nufer; sister, Irmgard Nufer; brother, Herbert Nufer; and dear parents, Hans and Flora Nufer.

The family would like to thank the Staff at Anthology of Wildwood for their wonderful care of Hans over the past year and a half.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Newcomer Funeral Home - West County Chapel, 2211 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017, from 2-4pm. A Celebration of Life service for Hans will begin at 4pm in the chapel.

Hans' service will be livestreamed at the scheduled date and time. Please copy this link to view the service:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxMDIxMzUzMDI5OTY5MyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==


A private burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 11:00 am. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

To share a memory of Hans or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.