Larry Nichols

Larry DeWayne Nichols, 74, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died July 24th, 2018, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

He was born September 17, 1943, at his home on Avenue G, in Gothenburg, son of Roy and Mabel (Buesing) Nichols. Larry graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1962. He married Kathleen Ogorsolka on September 21, 1963, in Gothenburg. To this union were three children: one daughter, Karma Susann, two sons: Darin Matthew and Bart Gerard.

Larry's true loves have always been his children and grandchildren, he was always ready to make popcorn or cookies with them. He has always loved fishing for walleye, crappie, and perch. He loved hunting, golfing, and camping, because he loved being outdoors to watch the wildlife. In his early years he enjoyed the wheat harvest in Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma with his dad, brothers, and the rest of the crew. He kept his bird and squirrel feeders in the backyard full, so we, and visitors, could sit in the sun porch and enjoy all the activity.

Larry played legion baseball and football in high school. He later managed and coached the Snow-E White baseball team, then Bob's Conoco team, then B & K Oil team, and later the Catholic Church team. He hated the grapefruit ball, so he hung up his glove. Larry played Town Team Basketball. He coached Boys Little League baseball and helped to start the Girls Little League. He organized the fishing unit for the 6th grade Outdoor Ed program for a number of years. He has always cheered for the Gothenburg Swedes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He loved going to all the grandchildren's sports activities and programs.

Larry and Steve Peterson started the Gothenburg Rotary in 1980; he served as president of Rotary 1981-1982. He served on the Gothenburg Senior Center Board for six years. Larry was a Volunteer Fireman for many years, and was a past member of the Knights of Columbus. Larry served as President of the Gothenburg Ducks Unlimited chapter for many years.

Surviving are his wife, Kathleen Nichols of Gothenburg, his daughter, Karma (Shawn) Hickey, Taylor and Lauren of Smithfield, NE: two sons: Darin (Judy) Nichols, Emilyne, Hannah, Matthew, and Bethany of McCook, NE; Bart (Angie) Nichols, J.C. Smith, Allison, Vincent, Preston Nichols of Gothenburg, and Lindsey Smith of Santa Monica, CA. sister-in law, Connie (Bruce) Johnson of Spearfish, SD; and sister-in-law Orpha Nichols of Lincoln, NE.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mabel Nichols, brothers: Danny and Roger Nichols, sister-in-law, Marlene Nichols. Parents-in-law, Vincent and Opal Ogorsolka, brother-in-law, Charles Ogorsolka.

In lieu of flowers the family requests Memorials be given to the Gothenburg Senior Center, 410 20th Street, Gothenburg, NE or to the Gothenburg Historical Museum, 1420 Avenue F, Gothenburg, NE.

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1915 Ave J, Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Friday, July 27, 2018, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM. with the family in attendance beginning at 5:00 PM.  Followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 PM.

Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel, July 28, 2018 at 10:30 AM with Father Michael Pampara, and Father Donald O'Brien officiating.

Private burial will take place in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers the family requests Memorials be given to the Gothenburg Senior Center, 410 20th Street, Gothenburg, NE or to the Gothenburg Historical Museum, 1420 Avenue F, Gothenburg, NE.