HERRIN -- Herrin icon Ron Nesler has died.
The longtime owner of Nesler's Polar Whip, famous for the line he said hundreds of times each week, "Here's an order," passed away Tuesday morning due to complications from COVID.
The family announced Nesler's passing on the business Facebook page around noon on Tuesday.
"We ask that you keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we deal with this difficult time," wrote Nesler's daughter-in-law, Melissa, whose husband, John, now holds the reins of the family business in Energy.
Originally opened in 1931 in Herrin under the name "Wimpy's" after the Popeye cartoon character, Nesler's Polar Whip has been a family-owned business since Ron's father, John, opened it.
With anywhere from 500 to 1,200 burgers going out the door every day except Sunday, the restaurant has provided employment for three generations of the family as well as countless teens that can count Polar Whip as a first job.
There's no automated ordering or a drive-though, although customers can call ahead. No need to leave a name, either.
"Here's an order," yells Ron to the kitchen, proceeding to give each customer's order. Orders are called for pickup the same way they're given to the kitchen and are bagged up in a brown paper bag.
Along with his role in the family business, Nesler was also a longtime basketball coach at both Herrin High School and Herrin Junior High.
Arrangements are pending.
