Nikkel, Katharine Penner (1914-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 Nov 11 p. 31

Birth date: 1914 May 6

text of obituary:

KATHARINA NIKKEL

Katharina Nikkel, beloved wife of Henry P. Nikkel of Coaldale, passed into the presence of the Lord on September 8 following a lengthy illness. She was born in Russia and came to Canada in 1924 with her family, settling in Crowfoot. In 1930 she moved to Coaldale, where she lived until she passed away. She was a member of the Lakeview Mennonite Brethren Church, Lethbridge, where the funeral service was held on September 12, with Rev. Henry Unrau ministering. She is survived by her loving husband, Henry; three sons, Ron of Toronto, Gordon and Vaughn of Coaldale; two daughters, Wilma (Mrs. J.) Neufeld of Coaldale, and Dorothy (Mrs. S.) Edwards of Barnwell; two sisters, and one brother and four grandchildren.

At the funeral, son Ron described her with these words: For many years she taught Sunday school and had the ability and patience to relate to little children as only one who is really gifted can. And the children loved her. She loved beauty, whether it was the scent of pine trees in the mountains or the beauty of a flower garden in spring. She brought beauty to others in simple ways like the bouquets of flowers she arranged for the church on Sunday mornings. To the end she served others, with the warmth of her friendship, the hospitality of an open home to both friends and often total strangers, and the cheerfulness and optimism she projected. To family and friends she left the legacy of a godly example. The home she made together with her husband was a place of security, acceptance and love. Her example of selfless service remains an inspiration.