Nikkel, Cornelius L. (1875-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Nov 8 p. 8

Birth date: 1875 Sep 9

text of obituary:

CORNELIUS L. NIKKEL

Cornelius L. Nikkel, son of Cornelius and Katherina Leppke Nikkel, was born in Marion County, Kan. on Sept 9, 1875.

He attended school there, later going to Salina, Kan. where he completed a telegraphy course. In November of 1898 he came to Weatherford, Okla. where he planned to work in his chosen field. Weatherford was the end of the railroad line and the job was not available, so he started to work at the White Lumber Company.

On Feb. 25, 1900 he and Mary Jane Stebens of Carman, Okla. were married in El Reno, Okla. In 1904 he began 24 years as a banker, serving as cashier of the German National Bank, which later was known as the Liberty National Bank. For the past 10 years he had been associated with the Weatherford News.

In 1921 he became a member of the First Baptist Church of Weatherford. He was a faithful member until his death. He served as Sunday school secretary for many years. He was a member of the first fire department and later served as chief. He was an original member of the first band established in Weatherford, and also was active in all musical activities in the early days of Southwestern State College. He had served on the local board and was presently serving on the county election board.

Mr. Nikkel entered Southwestern Memorial Hospital on Oct. 2, where he passed away on the morning of Oct. 18.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane, of the home; one daughter, Mrs. Lueille [sic Lucille] North of Weatherford; one son Lt. Col. George W. Nikkel of Lawton; three grandchildren and four great-grandchidren; one brother, J. Leslie Nikkel of Hanford, Calif.; and one sister, Mrs. P. C. Hiebert of Hillsboro, Kan.