1948-2024

Bill Ben Nickel, 76, was born Sept. 2, 1948, in Carroll, to Clifford and Fern (Scott) Nickel and was the youngest of five children.  

Surrounded by his family, he peacefully passed away at home Sept. 10, 2024.  Bill faced his battle with cancer with the unwavering determination and strength that shaped his entire life. Refusing to let the illness define him, he fought fiercely with sheer determination through every challenge. His legacy will forever be one of courage and a refusal to give up, no matter the odds.

Bill grew up on the family farm in Guthrie Center, where he attended grade school and high school, graduating in 1967. After graduation, he moved to Des Moines and was employed by Meredith Corporation.

On Nov. 25, 1968, Bill was drafted into the Army, serving in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. He was honorably discharged on June 29, 1970.

During the summer of 1968, Bill met the love of his life, Margene Peters, at the A&W in Carroll. On March 20, 1971, they were united in marriage at Holy Family Church in Lidderdale. They were blessed with three wonderful children: Brent, Melonie and Amy, who in turn gave them eight beautiful grandchildren, with two great-grandchildren on the way.

During their marriage, Bill and Margene lived in several places, including Guthrie Center, Des Moines, Sheridan (Wyoming) and Perry, before purchasing a farm in Woodward, where they lived from 1986 until the present.

Bill was a hard worker and had several different occupations, often working two jobs at the same time. Among his roles, he drove a logging truck in Wyoming, operated machinery for Perry Asphalt, and worked at the Woodward State Hospital Farm. For 18 years, Bill was employed by Meadow Gold Dairy in Perry, first operating a novelty ice cream line and later becoming the plant manager. During this time, he also farmed 460 acres, some of which included a legacy family farm, while raising livestock. After retiring from Meadow Gold, Bill bought a semi-truck and drove for Heartland Express. In addition, Bill and Margene owned and managed rental properties, of which Bill handled all the maintenance.

Bill enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved fishing in Canada, first with his brothers, then with Margene, the kids, grandkids and friends. He treasured traveling with Margene in their motorhome, especially their three-month-long trip to Alaska. The couple also enjoyed spending winters in Arizona, where Bill loved four-wheeling, rock climbing in his side-by-side, and making new friends. 

Bill especially cherished time with his eight grandchildren. He began a tradition of “Grandpa/Granddaughter Camping” and tubing at Lake Anita with his four oldest granddaughters, a tradition that continued for 11 years. As his two grandsons grew older, he was excited to take them fishing each year at Red Lake, Canada, always hoping they would catch a big one. He took great joy in patiently coaching them as they reeled in their catch. When the two youngest granddaughters were old enough, Bill proudly took them camping, often to their favorite spot, Spring Lake, where he taught them how to roller skate. Bill also loved spending time with friends, playing cards, and participating in the neighborhood’s beloved Margarita Mondays.

Bill is survived by his wife, Margene of Woodward; his son, Brent (Shantel) Nickel of Grinnell; daughters, Melonie (Jay) Slight of Johnston and Amy (Stacy Lilley) Nickel of Perry; his grandchildren, Emily (Ian) Webster, Casey Nickel, Jared Nickel, Jack Nickel, Taylor (Noah) Webster, and Madalyn Lee, Mackinzie and Natalie Lilley; his sister, Evelyn Mathews; his brothers, Wayne Nickel and Dan Nickel; along with several nieces and nephews. Bill is also cherished by many close friends who continue to share his memory. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Molly Mehalovich; brothers-in-law, Tony Mehalovich, Keith Mathews and Howard Peters; his sisters-in-law, Cheryl Nickel and Madelyn Sink; and his in-laws, Alvie Peters, Helen (Peters) Leonard and Carl Leonard.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel (1721 Park St., Perry). Family will greet friends one hour prior, beginning at 9 a.m. Bill will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Woodward City Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family to sponsor an Honor Flight for military veterans in Bill’s memory. Online condolences may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com.