Kimberly A. "Kim" Whitaker

1961 - 2025

Kimberly A. "Kim" Whitaker

May 1, 1961 - September 7, 2025

Kimberly A. "Kim" Whitaker of North Platte passed away peacefully at her home on Sept. 7, 2025, surrounded by love.

Kim was born on May 1, 1961, in Denver, to Jim and Nancy Whitaker. The family soon moved to North Platte, where she attended North Platte Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1979. That same year, she married Jerry Nichols of North Platte, and together they raised three children: Sarah (1980), Eric (1982), and Kyle (1985).

Kim devoted her early years to raising her children, whether it was countless evenings at the ballpark, packing up the camper for a weekend at the lake, or later heading out for time at the family cabin. Once her kids were in school, Kim began a career in retail at the North Platte Mall. For more than 25 years, she shared her talents and love of fashion while helping manage stores, including Herberger's, The Buckle, and finally Christopher & Banks, before her retirement. Her natural eye for clothing was evident-her closets could tell the story best.

Outside of work, Kim filled her days with hobbies and passions that brought her joy. She loved shopping, antiques (especially shopping for antiques), cooking, being outdoors, weekends at the lake, cheering on Husker football, and most of all, caring for her beloved plants. Indoors or out, she could make anything flourish. A gift card to the local nursery was all it took to make her day.

Kim's home was always a welcoming place. She had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and loved-her children's friends often found her house to be their second home. Her fully stocked pantry of sodas may have been for them, though in truth it may also have fueled her love for Squirt, often more than a half dozen cans a day.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Jim and Nancy Whitaker; grandparents, James and Kathleen Whitaker and Loren and Maxine Morris; great-aunt, Ellen Christensen; uncle, Bill Whitaker; cousin, Lindsey Whitaker; and many close friends.

Kim is survived by her children, Sarah (Jeff) Nichols, Eric (Shannon) Nichols and Kyle (Sarah M.) Nichols, all of North Platte; grandchildren, Sadie (Justin) Pettit of Omaha, Sophia (Ezeqiel) of Denver, Jayden of Fremont, Treyton (Shontelle), Ben, Ryder, Penelope, Gianna, and Tyler, all of North Platte; her brother, David (Abel) Whitaker of New York City; aunt, Diane Kelly-Blunk; cousins, Mark, Jeff and Sean Whitaker of McCook, and Kevin Whitaker of Gilbert, Arizona; and many other dear family members and friends who held a special place in her heart.

Kim will be remembered for her kindness, her sense of humor, her deep love for family, and her gift for making every place she touched feel like home.

Memorials are suggested to the Lincoln County Extension Office or the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation. Online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.

Funeral service is at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 12, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Evans officiating. Visitation is from noon to 7 p.m., with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, September 11, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Adams & Swanson Funeral Home