Heinrich Nickel

Heinrich “Henry” Nickel, 101, of Stevensville, was born on November 17, 1907 in Kartschemka, Wohlynia (Poland) to Michael and Emilie Nickel (nee Behnke). He was called home by his Savior on September 16, 2009 surrounded by his family. Heinrich married Erna Nickel (nee Reinhardt) on February 3, 1931. She preceded him in death on February 1, 1990. He was also preceded in death by his brother Ludwig and two sisters, Emilie and Augusta. Heinrich’s long life was filled with many experiences that strengthened his faith and family. He served briefly in the Polish army and was also drafted into the German army during WWII. He was taken as a prisoner of war and held in an American POW camp in Italy. After his release in 1946, he was reunited with his wife and children in Germany aided by the Red Cross. On March 23, 1950 Heinrich and his family immigrated to the United States, sponsored by Sophie and Edward Burch. They settled in Benton Harbor and he became a proud citizen of the United States in 1955. Heinrich worked for Auto Specialties until 1974. After his retirement, Heinrich enjoyed woodworking, his large vegetable garden, watching wrestling or soccer and most of all greeting each new grandchild and great-grandchild.< He was blessed with good health most of his life and lived on his own until October 2003 when he moved in with his daughter and son-in-law, Helga and Ernst Oelke of Stevensville, who survived him. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bruno and Edith Nickel of St. Joseph. Also left to cherish memories of "Opa" are five grandchildren; Kathy (Michael) Rimpel, Edward (Darla) Nickel, Michael Nickel, Annette Nickel and John (Lisa) Nickel. Heinrich was also "GrossOpa" to ten great grandchildren; Michelle (Nicholas) Hagewood, Aaron, Jessica and Micah Rimpel, Christopher, Stephen, John Paul, Cooper, Karly and Cameron & "Hank" Nickel. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews in both the United States and Germany. Heinrich was baptized in the Evangelical Lutheran church and will be remembered in services at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Jeremy Laitinen officiating. Internment will be at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph, Michigan. Friends may join the family for visitation at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home Friday, September 18, 2009 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor or Lakeland Hospice. Friends wishing to send a condolence message may do so in the guestbook at www.starks-menchinger.com. The entire family would like to offer it's heartfelt thanks to Pastor Weigand and Pastor Laitenen for their spiritual care of Heinrich and to all the caregivers of Lakeland Hospice for their compassionate care of our loved one during his last months. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.