Arnold Nickel Obituary

ARNOLD NICKEL Arnold Nickel, born March 1, 1913, near Buhler, Kansas went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 15, 2007, just short of the age of 94. He was a resident at Palm Village Retirement Community. Arnold grew up on a farm in the Buhler area and also attended grade school and high school there. Arnold married Eva Risley on August 2, 1940, and moved to the Reedley, California area to farm. They were blessed with two daughters Sharon Kay and Sandra Elaine. In 1953 he went to work as a Senior property appraiser for Bank of America, serving them for 25 years. After 34 years of marriage Arnold's wife Eva passed away. On April 17, 1975, Arnold married Laura L. Wiebe. Arnold and Laura enjoyed many long trips together after Arnold's retirement from the bank. Even though glaucoma caused Arnold to lose his eyesight this never hindered his goal to serve the Lord. He volunteered to share his faith and play his harmonica at convalescent homes, Juvenile Hall and the Rescue Mission. His favorite saying was "Isn't it better to do something than to do nothing?". He had a good sense of humor and loved to tell stories to his grandchildren. Arnold is predeceased by his wife Eva May Nickel; two brothers, Herbert and Edward; and one sister Martha. Those bereaved by his passing are his wife Laura of Reedley, California; brother-in-law, Floyd Robertson; sister-in-law, Viola Nickel; daughters, Sharon Gomez and her husband Roman of Mendota, California, and Sandra Estaville and her husband Lawrence of San Marcos, Texas; grandson Shawn; and granddaughter Sarah; five stepchildren, 14 step-grandchildren, and seven great grandsons and the many Risley Relatives of Kansas. Visitation will be held at Cairns Funeral Home in Reedley on Saturday, January 20, 2007, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. A Graveside Service will be held at the Reedley Cemetery in Reedley on Monday January 22, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Bethany Mennonite Brethren Church in Fresno on Monday January 22, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to Palm Retirement Village ,701 W. Herbert Ave., Reedley, CA 93654, or Fresno Rescue Mission, 315 'G' Street, Fresno, CA 93706. CAIRNS FUNERAL HOME940 F Street, Reedley 638-2233

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Published by Fresno Bee from Jan. 18 to Jan. 25, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Arnold Nickel

5 Entries

Robert, Julie, Nick & Matt Keller

January 21, 2007

Growing up I did not see my Uncle Arnold very often but when I did he was always interested in how I was and what I was doing in my life. I used to feel bad that he was blind but later realized that it was not a handicap but just an inconvenience. He did not let that stop him from doing the things he loved. He lived for the Lord and what an awesome legacy he has left for all of us. Now his family is together again in Heaven.

John, Marcie, Brett & Brittany Lewis

January 20, 2007

I remember all of the stories that Grandma would tell us over the years as we were growing up about Uncle Arnie. He was always so concerned for others and their salvation. On several occasions we got to hear him play the harmonica. Wow, could he play!!! I'm sure Grandma is playing the piano and Uncle Arnie is playing the harmonica in Heaven right now!
We love you Aunt Laura. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bonnie Rude

January 20, 2007

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, what a tremendous fact that is. I can see Uncle Arny now playing his harmonica with the angels on their harps, WHAT A SIGHT!
Our love and prayers are with you all at this time.
Our love: Ed and Bonnie Rude (Robertsen )

Carol Turner

January 18, 2007

Our family has lost a dear prayer warrior and soul winner. He was such a dear uncle and I knew he loved each of us. My childhood days are filled with fond memories of my "Uncle Arnie", and spending time with him, Aunt Eva, Sharon & Sandra.
Aunt Laura filled such a void in his life and we have felt so loved by her as the extended family. Our loss is heaven's gain and he is "Finally Home".
With much Love,
Carol Robertsen Turner

Kathy Turner

January 18, 2007

Uncle Arnold will always hold a special place in my heart! Even though I didn't see him very much in the recent years, I will always remember his gentle spirit, his love for the Lord, and his concern for all to know Christ as their Savior! His talent for playing the harmonica is rare these days, and he played so beautifully. You're close in thought and in heart Aunt Laura. I will be praying for you & the entire family.

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