Nickel, Henry George (1890-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Jan 16 p. 2

Birth date: 1890 Nov 23

text of obituary:

NATIVE OF RUSSIA DIES AT REEDLEY

Reedley, Calif. — Funeral services for Henry George Nickel, 67, a native of Russia, were held at the Mennonite Brethren church here Jan. 8. A retired farmer, Mr. Nickel had lived in this vicinity for 46 years. He died Jan. 5 at the Reedley hospital.

Surviving are his wife, Katie; one daughter and three sons; eight grandchildren; three brothers and one sister.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Jan 30 p. 8

text of obituary:

H. G. NICKEL

Henry G. Nickel, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Nickel, was born near Hillsboro, Kansas on Nov. 23, 1890, and passed away at the Reedley, Calif. hospital on Jan. 5, 1958. He reached the age of 67 years, one month, and 12 days.

Henry Nickel spent his early childhood days in Hillsboro, Kansas, where his parents pioneered in the early settlement of that area. In September 1893 he moved to Fairview, Okla. where his parents claimed land in the famous Cherokee Run. These early days were days of hardship. However, the Lord blessed the early settlers and soon his parents had a comfortable home.

In his early youth, Henry accepted Christ and was baptized on April 5, 1906, and became a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church near Fairview, Okla. In 1909 the family moved to Martensdale, Calif., near Bakersfield, where his parents lost their property as well as money, and from then on days of hardship followed. The parents then moved to Reedley, where with the help of the children and the Lord's blessing, they gained a livelihood.

On April 29, 1915, Henry Nickel and Katie Reimer were married at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nick Reimer, south of Reedley. Rev. John Berg officiated at the ceremony. They settled on a farm south of Reedley and lived there until 1944, when they moved into the city of Reedley.

In November 1952 he had his first heart attack and although he was able to enjoy the family and church, he was never as strong as he wished to be. On Dec. 30 he took suddenly ill and was taken to the hospital, where he passed away quietly to be with his Lord on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 5, 1958. He is survived by his wife, Katie Nickel, four children and eight grandchildren. The children are: Pearl, Mrs. Alvin Kliewer of Fresno, Calif.; Earl, Clarence and Henry Jr., all of Reedley. Viola preceded him in death at the age of six months. Henry was the oldest son in a family of eight children, three of whom preceded him in death: two brothers, George and Reuben, and one sister, Lily. Remaining in the family are three brothers, Charlie of Escondido, Calif., T. R. and Jona of Reedley, and the youngest sister Pauline, Mrs. Ike Thiesen of Custer, Wash.

Just before leaving his home and going to the hospital, he said to one of his brothers that he was ready to go but he would like to remain because he enjoyed his family and his church so much. In his younger days he was active in music, singing in the choir and in quartets. He lived a consistent Christian life, loved the Lord sincerely, and found much joy and strength in reading the Word of God.

The funeral was conducted Wednesday, Jan. 8, in the Reedley Mennonite brethren Church, with Rev. Dan Friesen and Rev. H. R. Wiens officiating — Katie Nickel and Children.