Nickel, Twila Mae (1944-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 May 26 p. 1

Birth date: 1944 Jun 10

text of obituary:

MASSAGING HEART FAILS TO SAVE LIFE OF MISSIONARIES’ DAUGHTER

Mountain Lake, Minn. — Twila Nickel, 10-year-old daughter of Missionary and Mrs. Peter J. Nickel, passed away May 17 at Mankato hospital five days after her heart action was restored by massage during a minor operation. She had been unconscious since the operation.

Funeral services were held at the Gospel Mennonite church here, with Rev. A. H. Schultz in charge.

The little girl entered the hospital for a nose operation, and when a local anesthetic proved inadequate, was given a general anesthetic. During the operation her heart stopped beating and the doctor opened her chest to message [sic] it into action. However, it is believed that too long a time elapsed before heart action could be restored.

The Nickels had planned to return June 1 to Auke Bay, Alaska, where Mr. Nickel is in charge o the Minfield Children’s Home.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Jun 2 p. 8

text of obituary:

TWILA MAE NICKEL

Twila Mae Nickel, daughter of Peter J. and Alvina (Becker) Nickel, was born on June 10, 1944, at Chicago, Ill. and passed away at Emmanuel Hospital, Mankato, Minn., on May 17, 1955, reaching the age of 10 years, 11 months, and seven days.

Twila Me had hurt her nose several years ago by falling. A defect was left which caused hard breathing. Doctors in Alaska were consulted and they advised us to see a nose specialist in the states. Upon recommendation this was done May 12. We took her to the specialist and Emmanuel Hospital in Mankato. On the operating table the unforeseen happened. Doctors and nursed did all they could for her, but she never gained consciousness again. The Lord spared her until Tuesday morning, May 17, when He took His precious lamb to Himself at 1;15 a.m.

She was always a cheerful and ambitious child, contributing her share to a happy active family life. She enjoyed school and music. Although being in the States, her heart was in Alaska with the children there. This she showed by spending time preparing books and Scripture verses to take back to Alaska, to teach the boys and girls about Jesus and His Word.

Twila Mae was also concerned about her personal relationship to God. Last April, when attending evangelistic meetings at the Mennonite Brethren church at Delft, she indicated by the uplifted hand that she wanted complete assurance of her salvation in Christ. Coming home that evening, she insisted that her mother help her find assurance and full satisfaction of sins forgiven. This was done. Her face soon lit up as she by faith understood and trusted the Word of God. Since then her testimony was, “I know I am saved.”

She leaves to mourn her early departure her parents; three sisters, Carol, Eileen, and Lynette; and many relatives and friends.

“O death where is thy sting? O grave, where is they victory? But thanks be unto God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Cor. 15:55, 57.

Funeral services were held May 20, at 1:15 p. m. at the Johnson Chapel and at 2:00 p. m. at the Gospel Mennonite church in Mountain Lake, Rev. A. H. Schultz officiating. Music was furnished by the male chorus, a girls’ group and ladies trio, and a male quartet sang at the cemetery. Miss Helen Klaassen served as pianist. Burial was made in the Mountain Lake cemetery. — The Bereaved Family.