Gerald Nickel

Gerald E. 'Jerry' Nickel, 81, Haven Home, Kenesaw, Nebraska, died Thursday, April 8, 2004 at Haven Home.

Rosary will be Monday, April 12, 2004; 7:30 P.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Hastings, Nebraska. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 13, 2004; 10:00 A.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Hastings, Nebraska with Father Michael Houlihan officiating. Burial with military rites will be Tuesday, April 13, 2004; 1:00 P.M. in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Axtell, Nebraska.

Mr. Nickel was born November 26, 1922 in Axtell, Nebraska to Ferdinand & Catherine (Shanahan) Nickel. He graduated from Kearney High School, Kearney, Nebraska. He married Velora A. Parker on July 18, 1943 and she preceded him in death on July 25, 1992. He joined the United States Army, serving during WWII from June 19, 1944 to May 13, 1946. He was a Sergeant in the 124th Calvary and received the Victory Medal, Bronze Star and was a member of Merrills Muarders in Burma. He farmed in Kearney County and later worked in maintenance at Juniata Coop, Juniata, Nebraska. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, American Legion, D.A.V., Cootie, Hastings Veterans Organizations Honor Guard and a past Grand Commander of V.F.W.

Mr. Nickel was preceded in death by his parents, wife Velora, daughter Sheryl, son Keith and two brothers, Donald and Paul.

Survivors include,
Sons & Daughter-in-law: Gregory & MaryJean Nickel - Moreno Valley, CA
Kelly Nickel - Hastings, NE

Daughter: Connie Nickel - Hastings, NE

5 Grandchildren:
Richard Gaynor III
Adam Nickel
Brent Nickel
Bryan Beiriger
Melissa Hill

7 Great Grandchildren:
Morgan Gaynor
Andrew Beiriger
Steven Beiriger
William Hill, Jr.
Olivia Hill
Sarah Hill
Clayton Hill

Brothers & Sisters-in-law : Leo & Jane Nickel - Torrington, WY
Bernard & Jean Nickel - Loup City, NE
Tom & Pauline Nickel - Wilcox, NE

Several Nieces & Nephews

In lieu of flowers, memorials to: Hastings Veterans Organizations Honor Guard
or V.A. Hospital- Grand Island, NE

VISITATION: Sun. 4-11-04; 1pm-9pm
Mon. 4-12-04; 9am-5pm
Mon. 4-12-04; 1 hr. prior to rosary at the church
Tue. 4-13-04; 1 hr. prior to mass at the church