William Nickel

Dad was born to Cornelius and Helen Nickel on March 6, 1922. 

In Dad’s childhood years they lived in various places in Saskatchewan.  Dad often spoke of how they made a living making sap peeled pulp which is green spruce cut and peeled;  and custom work hauling grain and wood.  The hard physical labor at that time is now done with a mere touch of a button.

Dad was baptized by confession of faith June 14, 1941 by Bishop John Epp in Peesane, SK.  On Dec 21, 1941 he married his best friend Katherine Dyck at Mistatim, SK.    To get them started in their new journey Dad’s parents gifted them one horse and one cow.  Thinking of the housing and facilities at that time they began raising a family.

In 1948 Mom and Dad moved to Gretna MB.  Dad started work here by hoeing sugar beets.  From 1949 to 1951 he was employed in construction  -building the pumping station for Interprovincial Pipe Line.  In June of 1956 he was hired by the Pipe Line and worked at the pumping station until June of 1964, after which time he applied his labor to farming.  In 1967 they moved from Gretna to Gladstone and continued farming.  In 1975 they relocated to a smaller farm located on #34 hwy where Dad accomplished his dream of having a strawberry farm which he and Mom operated for 10 years.

In 1983 Dad & Mom sold the farm and moved into Austin to retire.  They enjoyed a life together for 62 years and 4 months.  Their highest priority was living for the Lord, spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Two years ago as Dad’s health began to deteriorate.  He was always content and  acknowledged the care he needed.  Not wanting to put -what he called a “burden”, on the family, he made the decision to move to the MacGregor Personal Care Home.

Dad continued to be grateful and appreciative for all the love of family and friends who surrounded  him, along with the compassionate care from all the PCH staff.  On May 29th Dad took a fall in the wee hours of the morning.  He was taken to Portage Hospital for x-rays and then returned to the PCH with the diagnosis of a fractured hip.  While at the hospital he had told Dave and Jake he wasn’t expecting his stay here on earth would to be much longer,  and on Tuesday had whispered to Betty that “all is good”….After Tuesday his health  declined  rapidly and he no longer had strength to communicate. 

We as a family knew he was desperately waiting for Jesus to come and take him Home.  He was weary, worn, lonely, ready and waiting.  The assurance of his salvation is a wonderful truth.

Dad will be missed by his 12 children, Bill (Helen),  Neil (Fran),  Kathy (John),  Betty (John)

Dave (Irene),  Barb (Hank),  Margaret, Henry,  Phillip, Bernie(Larissa), John (Mary),   Jake (Bonnie).   21 grandchildren ,   33 great grandchildren,   5 great great grandchildren .

He is also survived by 10 step children, spouses and their families.

Dad was pre deceased by his first wife Katherine Nickel in May 2004,  his second wife

Helen in April 2022;   as well as both parents, all of his siblings and his siblings spouses.

The family would like to thank everyone for prayers and condolences.

 A heartfelt thanks to all the MacGregor PCH staff for their compassionate care for Dad and with their patience with the family during his last days.  We would also like to thank Clarke’s Funeral Home for the wonderful services provided,  and to the ladies group who help to organize and serve the lunch.

Dad,  Grandpa,  uncle and friend will be missed by many.