Carol Florence Nickels

(nee Lederhaus)

December 14, 1931 – July 17, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude that we announce the peaceful passing of Carol Nickels, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend on July 17, 2026, at her home surrounded by the love of her family. She has found eternal rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and is reunited with her devoted husband Eugene Nickels, and her beloved daughter Dawn Lynn Kingan.

Born on December 14, 1931, in Milwaukee, WI, Carol was the cherished daughter of Herbert and Viola (nee Langfeldt) Lederhaus. Carol was a devoted wife and partner to Eugene, who adored her and were married on July 20, 1957, in Greenfield, WI. Together, they shared 46 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. They raised four children, instilling in them the values of kindness, resilience, and compassion. Carol's legacy continues through her surviving children: Jeff (Beth) Nickels, Nancy (Wes) Putnam, and David (fiancé Larissa) Nickels, as well as her dear grandchildren Amanda, Amber, Nikki, Lauren, and Gene. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments and happiness.

Carol is survived by her loving siblings Marilyn (Mike) Everson, Sandy Muraszewski, and Gary (Kim) Lederhaus, as well as her sisters-in-law Bonnie, Cindy, and Barb Lederhaus. She is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Viola Lederhaus; husband Eugene Nickels and daughter Dawn Lynn Kingan. Siblings infant brother Donald Lederhaus; Shirley (Ralph) Mueller; James (Dona) Lederhaus; Beverly (Larry) Sliwinksi; Herbert Lederhaus; Ruthann (Peter) Schaefer; David (Jan) Lederhaus; Robert Lederhaus. Siblings-in-law Don Muraszewski; Evelyn (Bud) Glysz; Jerry Nickels; Jeanne (Jim) Schroeder and Eilleen Nickels.

Carol was a woman of many talents and passions. Her career as a nurse's aide at River Hills South Nursing Home was marked by her dedication and kindness, as she cared for residents with genuine warmth and compassion. Her skill and creativity extended beyond nursing, as she was known for her adeptness with their 1936 Singer 15-88 Treadle Sewing Machine, mending clothing with precision and care.

An avid bowler, Carol spent many years on a league with her sister Sandy, relishing the camaraderie and competition. Her role as a Traveling Score Keeper, alongside Eugene who served as a Traveling Weigh Master with the WIBC Championship Tournament, provided the opportunity to travel to a different city each year for three to four months. The couple enjoyed exploring the cities and created cherished memories in places like Cedar Rapids, Lansing, Baton Rouge, and Salt Lake City.

Carol's journey also included warehouse work at Reiman Publications in Greendale, WI, where she retired in 2009. Her vibrant spirit found expression in her hobbies: camping, crocheting, sewing, and playing the bass guitar. Carol had a special talent for creating beautiful garments. She made skirts and dresses throughout the years for her daughters and alongside her mother and sisters they created a wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses for her sister Beverly.

A longtime member of Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Franklin, WI, Carol found solace and friendship within her church community. Her love for country music, knack for polka dancing, and culinary skills were well-known and appreciated by all who had the pleasure to know her.

The Nickels family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Team Franklin Special Olympics athletes and families, as well as the SPARK! program at the WEHR Nature Center in Franklin, for their unwavering support and love shown to Carol. They also express immense appreciation to the Aurora Hospice team for their compassionate care during Carol’s final months.

Carol’s life was a testament to kindness, resilience, and love. She touched the lives of many, and her memory will forever be cherished.

A service to celebrate the life of Carol Nickels will be held on July 24, 2026, at RISEN SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH, 9501 W. Drexel Ave, Franklin, WI 53132, from 10:30am until the Memorial Service at 12:30pm. A funeral procession will leave at 1:30pm for interment at Forest Hill Memorial Park, 3301 E Forest Hill Ave, Oak Creek, WI 53154. The family sincerely appreciates Pastor Gil Duchow for officiating.