Jerry Nickelson, 56, of Oakley, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of December 6, 2020.
He was born July 26, 1964, to Harry and
Maxine (Hullet) Nickelson. He graduated from Oakley High School in 1982
and from the University of Kansas in 1988, with a bachelor’s degree in
pharmacy. Following graduation, Jerry moved to his beloved San Diego,
California, where he lived and worked as a pharmacist for over 30 years.
He enjoyed playing softball, traveling the world extensively and was
fluent in Spanish, however his favorite hobby was cheering on the
University of Kansas Jayhawks basketball team. Actually, all Jayhawk
sports, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakley Plainsmen. He also enjoyed
working out, staying fit and handsome, to which he succeeded
fabulously. Jerry will also be remembered for being up to date on the
latest and greatest Apple products and technology and was then kind
enough to let you know how out of date you were. Though San Diego
brought him a new family in lifelong friendships, Oakley was where part
of his heart had always remained. It was here he chose to spend his
final years, caring for his mother and enjoying the welcoming embrace of
the Oakley Methodist Church and community. He enjoyed spending time at
the church in various capacities, but he cherished his time with the
bell choir most of all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and many, many friends.
Jerry is survived by his sisters, Sheryl Denny and Judy Woofter; brother
Terrell Nickelson; aunt Darlene Stramel; uncles Kelvin and Elvin
Hullet; many, many cousins; and nine nieces.
Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Friday, December 11, 2020 at the
Oakley Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Saturday,
December 12, 2020 at the Oakley Methodist Church, with burial in Oakley
City Cemetery. Following Jerry’s wishes, he was cremated and some of
his remains will be returned to San Diego and inurned in the Columbarium
in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul. We kindly request anyone attending
services to please wear a face mask and consider social distancing
while offering condolences.
The family suggests memorials in Jerry Nickelson’s name to the Oakley Ministerial Alliance for the food pantry at the Oakley United Methodist Church, 611 Maple Ave, Oakley, KS, 67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com