He was born December 8, 1930, in Green Bay, to Ira and Elizabeth Enz Nickel. He grew up in the De Pere area where he graduated from East De Pere High School with the Class of 1948. Following graduation he served in the US Marine Corps just prior to the Korean Conflict.
On April 19, 1952, he married Barb Raymond in Oconto Falls. John lived most of his life in Oconto Falls, where he was employed by the former Scott Paper Co. for 38 years, retiring in 1990. He was also well known in the area for many years as a painter of numerous residential and commercial buildings in Oconto County. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls, a charter member of River Island Golf Club and serving currently as board president, Masonic Lodge #293 F & AM, BEJA Shrine and various Masonic organizations. He also helped organize and was a volunteer for the original Oconto Falls Rescue Squad years ago. John was a member of the 'Chain Gang' for Oconto Falls High School football games for many seasons. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman and enjoyed many hours at his cabin near Crivitz with family and friends.
Survivors are his wife, Barb Nickel, Oconto Falls; four children, Susan Elizabeth Joe Bukowski, Oconto Falls; Linda Rae Weems, Little Rock, AK; Kristin Pauline Dave Salentine, Bettendorf, IA; Charles Raymond Nickel, Green Bay; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Ralph Nickel, Colorado; Carl Nickel, Menomonee Falls; Richard Pat Nickel, Green Bay; two sisters, Naomi Rimple, Green Bay; Frances Bill Raduge, Woodruff.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends called on Friday at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. Funeral service was conducted 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls with the Rev. Bil Sutlief officiating. Cremation followed with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oconto Falls.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund has been established.