Ron Nickel

Ron Nickel, age 88, of Cave Creek, AZ, entered his eternal life on Thursday, September 25, 2025 peacefully at home.

Ron was born in Moline, IL October 16, 1936 to Orville and Lois Nickel. Growing up along with his two brothers on the family farm on the outskirts of Milwaukee, he attended a one-room school house through the 4th grade in Summit Valley School District. He then attended St. Paul’s Lutheran school and Oconomowoc High School. He received his Certificate of Equivalency through the U.S. Army.

Ron’s strength and hard work on the farm led him to purchasing the family garbage business when his father had to retire for health reasons in the late 1950’s. His residential and commercial business employed approximately 84 people and serviced 50,000 homes by private billing or contract. Sanitary Disposal Service, Inc. was one of the largest contractors in the state at that time. Ron loved working alongside his employees and building their teams together. He was very touched to witness the comradery that grew between them all throughout those years. Ron also developed the 80-acre business park on I-94 in Delafield and 5 residential sites in Waukesha County.

His dreams came true and by 1990 he had sold his WI Assets and lived between Dubois, WY and Scottsdale, AZ. While in AZ, he continued with earthmoving and real estate developments. In WY he continued to hunt and fish as was his passion. Ron was a hunter, fisherman, traveler and loved sharing his stories with anyone that would listen.

The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to Hospice of the Valley for their loving care during his courageous 18-month fight with Prostate cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Jan, a son Jeff (Wendy) of Wauwatosa, WI; a daughter Jody (Jeff) Sims of Austin, TX; step-sons Ben (Tracy) Costa of Henderson, NV and Joel Costa of Cheyenne, WY; several grandchildren and their families. He is proceeded in death by his parents, first wife Joan Nickel, brothers Jerry, Dennis, and Tim.

Knowing Ron’s faith and anticipation of eternal life, we look forward to our reunion with him in Heaven. He wanted to be sure everyone would be thanked for attending his service to say good-bye. He looks forward to meeting again and left the greeting, “May God Bless You All.”

Celebration of life will take place on November 12,2025 at 1:30 PM with a social gathering afterwards at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066 Chaplin Nick Slater will officiate. Burial will be at Summit Cemetery, 36000 Delafield Road, Oconomowoc.

Pagenkopf Funeral Home is serving the family. For full obituary or more information, call 262-567-4457 or visit http://www.pagenkopf.com.