It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Joseph Nillen, known to many as Topper. Born on March 24, 1954, he left us too soon on December 10, 2025 after a long fought battle to Colon Cancer.

John is survived by his wife Anna Carin, daughters Daniella and Alexandra, son-in-laws Marko and Jack, grandchildren Nikola and Maria, brother Dan, sister-in-law Dee, nephew Fred, niece Beth, and great nieces and nephew Maddie, Cal, and Rigley who will forever remember him as an amazing source of comfort and guidance. A man of many accomplishments, John was not only a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle but also a prodigious coach and lifelong athlete.

His career was characterized by a series of impressive achievements, including coaching an Olympic qualifying team, serving as the head coach of the CBA Ohio Mixers, and working as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets. In a noteworthy act of sportsmanship, he even stuffed ballots for the NBA All-Star Game. His athletic passion was further demonstrated through his third-place ranking in the Masters International Open for Long Track Speed Skating. And before all this, he even graced the world as a childhood model.

Yet beyond these achievements, it was his personality that left the deepest impression on those around him. John was known as a caring, loving, tenacious, athletic, and happy individual who was always ready to lend a helping hand. He truly was the life of the party... always ready to crack a joke and make those around him laugh. His lifelong mantra was simple: Treat others the way you want to be treated, always work hard, and give 100%. These principles guided his life and left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

The funeral service for John will be held on December 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. This will be followed by the burial at 11:30 AM at Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Crown Hill. A celebration of his life will follow.

John was a caring, loving man with a resilient spirit and a coach’s heart. Athletic and selfless, he believed in treating others with respect, working hard, and always giving your best. His impact continues through the many lives he influenced and the lessons he shared. Cheers to Topper! 

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