June Reese Nicholson

1930 - 2021

June Reese Nicholson

January 11, 1930-December 7, 2021

June Reese Nicholson, age 91, Hillsdale, Illinois passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

June was born January 11, 1930 at home on a farm south of Colona, IL to Norman and Helen Jacobson Reese. Her education was at a one-room school, Briar Bluff, and later at Hillsdale High School after moving to Joslin. She attended Moline Institute of Commerce for a year before going to work at Deere & Company Export Department for four years.

She married her high school sweetheart, Robert (Bob) Nicholson on September 11, 1949. They lived in Rock Island a few years before moving to Hillsdale, eventually to the telephone company's house where she was the night operator for several years before phones became dial. They then built their house in Hillsdale and raised their three children, Daniel, Janis, and Lisa. Once they were all in school, June went back to work for John Deere Company, East Moline, IL, where she worked 21 years before retiring.

Bob and June started a manufacturing business, NikWood Products, Inc. in 1979 where June was bookkeeper for 37 years. She also served as the Billing Clerk for the Hillsdale Sanitary District for 20 years.

June was very active in her church and many other organizations volunteering all her life. A member of the Hillsdale United Methodist Church, she served as teacher, youth leader, Sunday School Superintendent, United Methodist Women President, United Methodist Women District Officer, lay delegate to Annual Conference. She had a passion for supporting Cunningham Home, served on mission trips to Henderson Settlement in Kentucky and worked as a volunteer on two trips to Slidell Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.

She also was a member of Rock Island County Republican Women and served as Secretary to Rock Island County Republican Central Committee for three years. She served as Assistant Cub Scout leader and Assistant Girl Scout leader while her kids were young, and until very recently remained active as a member of Zuma Home Extension, TOPS and Red Hats.

A very special place to June and her family has been her home in the north woods of Michigan where she always welcomed friends and family. Vacations and holidays spent there brought joy and unforgettable memories with her that will forever remain in our hearts.

She is survived by her beloved family including children Dan Nicholson, Lisa (Al Talley) Nicholson, of Hillsdale, and Janis (Scott) Turner of Elgin, IL; 4 grandchildren, Dana (Emma) Nicholson, New York City, Alex (Brandi) Nicholson , Ohio, Talyr (Shane) Themas, LeClaire, IA, Nicholas (fiancé Brianna Wright) Turner, Coralville, IA; 3 great grandchildren, Julie, Chloe and Henry Nicholson, and 3 step-great grandchildren, Noah, Madyson, and Makenna Themas.

June was predeceased by her parents, husband, sister and brother-in-law, Darlene & Don VanOpdorp, and sister Norma Reese.

Many thanks Genesis Hospice – Maggie, Madison, and Chris, for the comfort, love, and care given to Mom and Grandma during the last months of her life. Her family is forever grateful.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 10, 2021 from 4 – 7 pm at Gibson - Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron, IL. Funeral Services will be Saturday, December 11th at 10 am at the Hillsdale United Methodist Church. Burial service will be at Mt. Maria Cemetery in Hillsdale, followed by a lunch at the Hillsdale United Methodist Church.

Memorials can be made out to the Hillsdale United Methodist Church or Nicholson Family Trust (to be donated to June's favorite charities); and sent in c/o Lisa Nicholson, P.O. Box 112, Hillsdale, IL 61257.