Nickel, David B. (1897-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Apr 13 p. 4

Birth date: 1897 Sep 4

. . .

— Funeral services were conducted at the Goessel Mennonite church last Thursday afternoon for David Nickel, 52, who died at the Salem hospital in Hillsboro April 2. He had been in ill health for a number of years. He leaves his wife, two daughters, and one son. The family has resided at Hillsboro for the past six years.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Apr 27 p. 6

text of obituary:

DAVID B. NICKEL

David B. Nickel was born Sept. 4, 1897, in the Goessel, Kansas community.

He was baptized by Elder P. H. Unruh May 13, 1917, upon the confession of his faith and accepted as a member in the Alexanderwohl church. Living close to the Goessel Mennonite church, he transferred his membership to this church in December 1936, where he remained a faithful member until his death.

He received his elementary education by attending the Gordon grade school at Goessel, Kansas.

He was married Sept. 18, 1919, to Bertha Neufeld. To this union three children were born, one son and two daughters. In 1944 they were privileged to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They lived at Goessel until 1944 when they moved to Hillsboro, Kans.

He enjoyed good health until Sept. 7, 1937, when seemingly some poison had entered his system and he had to be taken to the Goessel hospital where he remained eight months, during which time he would get a little better at intervals so that he could spend a few days off and on at home. His sickness was such that little hope of recovery was given him. It was a great disappointment to him that he would never be able to work anymore. However he recovered enough to do a little light work once in a while.

In 1949 his health began to fail considerably and he again had to spend several days in the Salem hospital. He again returned home but became weaker as time went on. Saturday, April 1, he was taken to the Salem hospital where he died April 2 at 6:32 a. m. He attained the age of 53 years, six months, and 28 days.

Through all his suffering he was uncomplaining, trusting in his Lord to give him the strength to bear his lot. He had a strong faith in God, his Maker, and Christ, his Saviour. He loved to read the Bible, especially during the last winter. One of his favorite songs was '“Jesus Loves Me, This I Know,” which he often sang for himself. His lingering Illness had helped him to prepare for death.

When he was asked if he was ready to go his answer was that he was prepared.

He loved his family and it was always a great pleasure for him when children and grandchildren came home.

He leaves to mourn his departure his beloved wife, Bertha Nickel; a son, Milford Nickel of Hillsboro, two daughters, Mrs. Norman Plenert of Marion and Della Ruth of the home; four grandchildren; his aged mother, Mrs. B. B. Nickel; five brothers and three sisters, and many other relatives and friends. His father, sister Anna and brother Johnny preceded him in death.

We mourn the departure of a beloved husband and father but not as those who have no hope.

The funeral services were held April 6 at which Rev. P. R. Jost of Hillsboro and Rev. P. P. Buller of the Goessel Mennonite church delivered the sermons and quartets from Hillsboro and Goessel rendered appropriate numbers of music. — The Bereaved Family.