Loel Nichols

Loel Dee "Grumpy" Nichols, 76, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died January 29, 2015 in Gothenburg, NE.

He was born April 5, 1938 in Gothenburg, NE, son of James and Edna Beth (Lichty) Nichols.

Loel grew up in Gothenburg and graduated from Gothenburg High in 1956.  He attended Kearny College for a semester before enlisting in the US Marines where he served his country from February 1957 to  February 1960.

Loel married Verna Geiken on June 14, 1957 at Gothenburg and to this union four children were born - Jeffrey, Mark, Teresa and Mike.  The family lived in Gothenburg; Memphis, TN; and Santa Anna, CA.  Loel worked for the US Post Office for 30 years and also drove truck for Paulson Gravel.  He was a member of the fire department, a card club and was an usher at church. Loel was also a City Councilman for many years.  In his spare time, Loel enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf.  He was a coach for little league and an umpire for softball and legion ball games.  He also drove the school bus.

Surviving are wife, Verna M. Nichols of Gothenburg, NE, son, Jeffrey (Wanda) Nichols, son, Mark Nichols, daughter, Teresa Nichols, son, Mike Nichols;  nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren and many friends.

Loel was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Saturday, January 31, 2015, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

Services will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Monday, February 2, 2015 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Larry Viter officiating.

Inurnment will follow in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the Family.  To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.