Howard F. Nice

1922 - 2013

Howard F. Nice

September 9, 1922 - April 19, 2013

MCMINNVILLE - Howard Fred Nice was born to Reno Ray Nice and Edna Rose Wadleigh Nice in LaJunta, Colorado, on September 9th, 1922. He passed away in McMinnville, Oregon, on April 19th, 2013, at the age of 90. He was born the 4th of 9 children.

When he was a young child, his family moved to Oregon. His education stopped just one semester short of graduation at Sheridan High School. On March 1st, 1942, he married Luella Mae Wolfer. Together they had six children, and she preceded him in death in December of 2005.

As a conscientious objector during WWII, he served in alternate service at Glacier National Park, Camp Belton, Montana. He finished his tour of duty at Roseburg Veterans Hospital, Roseburg, Oregon. After discharge he took his state electrical exams and founded Nice Electric Co. on July 16, 1946.

Howard served on several boards for the developmentally disabled, including: Shangri-La Corp. (over 30 years), Mid-Valley Workshop (27 years), Yamhill County Council for the Handicapped, and Oregon Mennonite Residential Services (10 years). He also served on the school board of Western Mennonite High School for 20 years. In recognition of his many contributions, Howard received an award in 1992 as Oregon Board Member of the Year.

He was active as a lay leader in the Mennonite Church and in other church groups. He participated in the development of Logsden Mennonite Church (Logsden, Oregon) and served as Conference Youth Leader for Pacific Coast Mennonite Conference. He filled numerous leadership roles in several congregations, including Sheridan Mennonite Church, First Mennonite Church in McMinnville, and Valley Christian Fellowship (New Horizons). He was also active as a leader with Full Gospel Businessmen. He enjoyed traveling in connection with these ministries.

Howard married Irene Kilmer Yoder on July 22nd, 2006, and they lived at Valley View (McMinnville), where they enjoyed the companionship of friends and family there.

Howard is survived by his wife, Irene; two daughters, Marlene (Stanley) Kropf, Port Townsend, WA, and Judi (Hannu) Jones, McMinnville; three sons, Gary (Esther), Sheridan, OR, Dennis (Margaret), McMinnville, and Douglas, Salem, OR. He was predeceased by one son, Loren, in 2008, and one great-grandchild, Olivia, in 1999. He leaves 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. He also grafted in many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren from his marriage to Irene. Howard was predeceased by one brother, Harry, and four sisters: Mabel Enns, Ida Rose Wolfer, Dorothy Wolfer, and Gwen Killian. A sister, Ruth Coblentz (Willamina, OR), and a brother, Robert (Albany, OR), also survive him.

His interests were a study of contrasts. In addition to his generous volunteer services, he was an avid quilter and hunter. He conducted his business and life as a man of integrity and character who set an example for many to follow.

Viewing will take place at Macy & Son, McMinnville, from 4-7 pm on Monday, April 22, and again from 1-2 pm on Tuesday, April 23, at Church on the Hill at 700 NW Hill Road, McMinnville, OR. The funeral service will follow at 2 pm, with burial at Sheridan Mennonite Cemetery, Willamina, OR. Gifts in his honor may be sent to Macy & Son on behalf of Western Mennonite School, Salem, Oregon, and to Shangri-La Corporation, Salem, Oregon. To leave online condolences visit www.macyandson.com.