Jimmy Dean Nickel, beloved husband, dad, brother and grandfather, passed away with his loving family by his side on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the age of 79.
Son of Raymond and Laura Nickel of Western, Jim was born June 22, 1944, in Friend. Jim was baptized July 13, 1944, at St John’s UCC in Western, where he was a lifelong member up to his passing. Jim graduated from Western Public School in 1962.
Jim fell in love with the love of his life Diana (Pavelka) and married her May 23, 1965. Jim and Diana settled down in Western, where they raised their daughter, Kris, who he loved dearly. Jim worked his first job at Gus Glazer Meats. He then began working at Petersen MFG as a checker where he worked for 38 years until his retirement in 2006.
Over the years, Jim enjoyed fishing, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, playing cards, watching sports, spending time with his family, watching The Bold and the Beautiful and, of course, feeding all the birds and squirrels that would come up to his back porch. Jim was a caring man who would do anything to help anyone. Jim especially loved spending time with his wife, Diana, as they were coming up on 59 years of marriage.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Laura (Wahl) Nickel; and siblings, Larry Nickel, Donna (Nickel) Zajicek, Gary Nickel and nephew Darin Nickel.
Survivors include wife, Diana (Pavelka) Nickel of Western; daughter, Kristine (Nickel) Miller of Daykin; grandchildren, Blake Miller of Daykin, and Breanna Miller of Wilber; brothers, Rod (Betty) Nickel, Randy Nickel, and Rick Nickel; sisters, Darla (Larry) Johnson, Sherri (the late Alan) Folkerts; and many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 2, at St. Johns United Church of Christ in Western. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 1, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for future designation. Arrangements by to Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.
