Obituary for Roger D. Nickel

Roger D. Nickel, age 68, of Brooklyn Park, MN.

Roger was born and raised on his family’s farm in Mountain Lake, MN. He was active in 4-H and FFA, spending summers showing livestock at the Cottonwood County and Minnesota State Fairs and winning many awards. His love and talent for singing led him to be selected for the FFA National Choir. Roger had a true passion and talent for football, which garnered him a college football scholarship to Bethel College in North Newton, KS. Unfortunately, his football career was cut short due to a knee injury, bringing him back home to MN. Still, his love of the game lasted throughout his life and he spent most weekends of the season watching college and pro games.

Roger eventually transferred to Mankato State University (MSU), where he continued his love of singing in multiple choir programs. Roger not only left MSU with a teaching degree in geography and earth sciences, but also with a lovely new wife, Laura, who would stay by his side for 45 years. Together they moved to the Twin Cities, where they purchased their first home and welcomed two daughters, Robyn and Michelle. Above all, Roger felt that his family was his greatest accomplishment.

Roger continued his education at Control Data Institute, receiving a Computer Programming degree and spending the majority of his career in the information technology (IT) field. Roger’s IT career was very accomplished and impressive, with many companies seeking him out for employment. He was a member of ADONUS, a national software help desk organization, and worked at Nielsen Marketing Research, Network Systems, MTS Systems, Carlson Companies and IBM, ultimately retiring as a Sr. Systems Analyst.

Roger was active in his community, serving on the Energy Commission and playing a key role in his community’s recycling program. Roger was also instrumental in computerizing Champlin Park High School when it was built in the early 90’s.

Roger was raised Mennonite, but continued his faith as an adult in the Lutheran Church. He was very active in his church, serving on the church council and teaching various programs, including Sunday school, baptism, youth confirmation, and adult Lutheran liturgy classes. He often gave the pastor a hard time for allowing a “Mennonite Boy” to teach Lutheran liturgy and educate new parents on infant baptism.

Fishing brought Roger great joy. Along with his brother-in-law, John, Roger and Laura purchased a lake lot and built a cabin on Camp Lake in Garrison, MN. Roger completed most of the construction himself, showcasing his excellent handyman skills and love of woodworking. For many years to follow, he and his family spent summer weekends at the cabin. Some of his best memories were the times he had there with family and friends, especially early morning fishing out in the boat with his little girl, Shelly.

Roger had several health issues over the years that contributed to his decline. After a fall took his mobility in early 2017, Roger made the decision to enter home hospice care. Thanks to the care of his loving wife, he was able to remain at home until the end. He died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of April 18, 2018, when angels carried him to the arms of his Savior in Heaven. For those of us left behind, we are richer for knowing such a kind and wonderful man.

He is preceded in death by sister, Arvalda Anderson; brother, Verlyn Nickel; brothers-in-law, John Voss and Ernest Anderson.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Laura; daughters, Robyn (Mark) Carter and Shelly (Dan) Kuykendall; granddogs, Frank and Kirby; brother, Loren Nickel; sisters-in-law, Jo Ann (Gerry) Vander Meulen and Ann Voss; and other family and friends.

Visitation 3-7 PM Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 34 2^nd St. NE, Osseo, MN. Visitation also 1 hour prior to service Monday. Service 11 AM Monday, April 23, 2018, at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home. Private interment at Brooklyn Crystal Cemetery, Brooklyn Park, MN at a later date.

Please, no flowers. Memorials preferred to the American Heart Association or Red Cross.