Rubens Nickel

Rubens (Nick) Nickel, born on May 29, 1939, in Brazil passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025, surrounded by his family. In Brazil, he worked as a shoe maker and enjoyed soccer. He came to the United States at the age of 15. He joined the Air Force at the age of 18 and became a US citizen. Following his service in the United States Air Force, he started a family in Chicago, Illinois and began his entrepreneurial ventures when he started Brenik Furniture with business partner Don Brenner, which they later went on to sell.
Rubens had an outgoing and jovial personality that was an instant attraction to all that met him. He loved the Chicago Bears, fishing, tennis, golf and outdoors, as well as cooking, the theater and the arts. Rubens loved spending time with his loved ones and friends enjoying a glass of wine, good food and great conversation.
Rubens is survived by his partner Sil Pesavento and three children from his first marriage to Hildegard Nickel: Loretta Esula, Susan Klausing (husband Louis Klausing) and Eric Nickel (wife Holly Nickel); Eight grandchildren Kaitlyn Esula, Lauren Hernandez (husband Edgar Hernandez), Kelly Hill (husband Kyle Hill), Katrina Klausing, Thomas Klausing (wife Alexa Klausing), Kevin Nickel (wife Abbie Nickel), Isaiah Downs, Korey Nickel and three great grandchildren Hunter Kleist- Esula, Harper Hill and Wesley Nicholas Hill.
Rubens is also survived by his brother Nick W. Nickel (wife Inez Nickel) nieces and nephews and preceded in death by his parents, brother and sisters.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association in memory of Rubens.
Celebration of life services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Justen Funeral Home & Crematory in McHenry, IL For information, please call the Funeral Home at 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Rubens on his tribute wall.