Del B. Nickel

Delbert “Del” B. Nickel, 74, of South Haven, Michigan died Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.

Del was born January 16, 1942 in Moran, Michigan to Ida (Weiss) and Ben Nickel. He earned his bachelors degree from Northern Michigan University. He married Judith Beck on August 4, 1962 at the First Lutheran Church in Iron River, Michigan. He taught high school industrial arts for two years.  Del then worked for Consumers Power from 1966 to 2000 where he retired after 35 years of service.  With Consumers, he worked in human resources and customer service. In Del’s younger years he enjoyed playing softball. Del enjoyed the process of making, sharing and consuming wine. He enjoyed fishing and even made his own fishing equipment. He loved to camp and take care of his yard. He was a member of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Haven.

Del is preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Gamble, and a brother-in-law, Ward VanLaanen.

Surviving is his wife, Judy Nickel; son Greg (Tina Marshall) Nickel of Lamont, Michigan; daughter Kristina (Scott Brown) Nickel of Grayslake, Illinois; son Tony (Lori) Nickel of Lonsdale, Minnesota; five grandchildren Joshua, Justine, Cody, Andrew and Allison; two great grandchildren, Calix and Sage; brother Gary (Kathy) Nickel of Nashville, Michigan; sister Elaine VanLaanen of Hastings, Michigan; brother-in-law, Duane Gamble of St. Ignace, Michigan; and Judy’s sisters and brother.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM  on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven. Memorial services will be Monday, November 7, at 11:00 AM at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Haven with Pastor Travis Wilson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Harbor House Ministries, Peace Lutheran Church or to Circle of Caring Hospice at Home.