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Obituary

Ronald Alonzo Nickell [Ron], 79, passed away in Wyandotte, Michigan, on 19 December 2023. He took his final breath with his wife, children, and grandchild by his side.

Ron was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Eldon and Ruth (Stillson) Nickell. Following his childhood in California and Arizona, he served in the United States Army, operating a tank in Europe during the Vietnam War.

Ron spent 54 years with his wife and lifelong companion, Thelma. He enjoyed traveling the country, attending car shows, indulging in history books, and woodworking. Ron was an active member of Gilead Baptist Church and worked at Great Lakes Steel for over 30 years.

Ron’s family describes him as kind, honest, and steadfast, noting that children and animals were drawn to his gentle spirit. They fondly recall his soft-spoken humor—often delivered as “grandpa jokes”—and how he loved riding with his grandchildren on his tractor. His favorite parting words were “glad you got to see me,” he always carried a comb, pocket knife, and tape measure in his pockets, and he was known to enjoy a “grandpa-size” piece of carrot cake. He occasionally fell asleep while holding his beloved wife’s hand. 

Ron is survived by his wife, Thelma Nickell (Osborne); his three children, Cheryl Lowisz (Stephen Lowisz), Ronald Nickell (Gina Nickell), and Karen Nickell; his nine grandchildren, Lauren (Lowisz) Halapi, Stephen Lowisz, Courtney Grubaugh, Cole Nickell, Trent Nickell, Dominick Sligar, Mackenzie Sligar, Wade Nickell, and Kace Nickell; and his three great-grandchildren, DeAndre’ Madkin, Colson Lowisz, and Raelynn Lowisz. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Eldon Nickell and Robert Nickell.