Marlin A. Nichols, of Birnamwood, died Monday, January 6, 2014 at Langlade Hospital. He was 77 years old. He was born on June 30, 1936 in Town of Hutchins, a son of the late Mervin and Marcella (Johnson) Nichols. He married Alice Anderson on July 2, 1960 in Wausau. She survives
He graduated from Mattoon High School in 1955 and joined the United States National Guard in 1958, being called into active duty for the Berlin Crisis of 1961. He was honorably discharged in 1962.
For 43 years he was employed at Wisconsin Veneer and Plywood in Mattoon retiring in 2001.
Mr. Nichols was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Mattoon where he was a member of the church choir, the men's trio and was a song leader for many years. He also taught Sunday school for 50 years.
He enjoyed gardening, flowers, photography and fishing.
In addition to his wife survivors include four sons, Jack Nichols of Lodi, Jeffrey (Lori) Nichols of Reedsville, Rev. Joel (Jennifer) Nichols of Weston, Ohio and Jon Nichols of Green Bay; 11 grandchildren, Zachary, Lauren, Paige, Chad (fiancé Rachel), Brant, Krysta (Kurt Jr.) Olson, Amy, Jillyan, Jordan, Jadon and Josiah; twin great-grandsons, Luke and Carter Olson; and a brother, Lee (Dona) Nichols of Birnamwood.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Carmin Nichols.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at Church of the Nazarene, Mattoon with Rev. Mark Quinn officiating. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Mattoon. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday at the church.
Services
Visitation
Antigo, WI 54409
Service
Birnamwood, Wisconsin 54414
I remember when Geraldine and I visited with Marlin & Alice, looking over Marlin's flower gardens with water, and falls, etc. Beautiful! So sorry, Alice.
Thinking back about the days when as a young teen Marlin was what I considered a rock. The days in the old church and the active young people of which Marlin and Alice were such a part. In recent years whenever I would have an opportunity to be at Mattoon or even at the few funerals I always expected to spend just a minute with Marlin. He was always the same and with a few soft spoken words renewed my heart with the consistency of the people of God. I will remember Alice and the family in prayer.
Our love and prayers are with the family throughout the coming days. Marlin Nichols was the father of our son-in-law, Joel and father-in-law to our daughter Jennifer. We met Alice and Marlin years ago and have enjoyed being with them at family events. He was a beautiful example of what it is to be a Christian. Wonderful dad, father-in-law and grandfather to Joel, Jennifer, Jordan, Jadon and Josiah. He will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers are with Alice - Jack, Jeff, Jon and their families. He is celebrating the completion of his earthly journey in Heaven.
What a terrible loss for our family. Marlin was my Sunday School teacher when I was a teen back in the OLD Mattoon church. His kindness and gentle spirit will be missed by every one. Our prayers go out for Alice, the boys and their families.
Cousin Joan (Plisch) Hill and Bob
Colorado Springs
If love could have kept him here, he would have lived forever!
What a privilege to be a part of his family. Marlin and Alice were so generous in helping keep our mom in her home - taking her to all of her doctor's appointments, and keeping Dee Dee and me updated on any medical issues. They were so much a part of that routine that my mom introduced Marlin to the doctor as her son and a few people thought Alice was her daughter! Marlin and I kiddingly called each other sister and brother because of that - I considered that quite an honor.
He was so sweet and patient...I can only aspire to the level he attained. He saw awe inspiring beauty in the simple things and captured them exquisitely in his photography. I think he was able to do that because that was the internal lens through which he viewed life in general.
I will miss his corny e-mails. I always knew I could have a laugh when I saw a Marlin email in my inbox. Who will fill those shoes?
He has passed the torch well to his beautiful family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
The thought of heaven is even sweeter now.
So sorry to hear of Marlins passing :( I'll never forget Marlin & Alice and the boys being some of our first neighbors when we moved to WI and finding out that they use to live in our house at one time :) Keeping the entire Nichols family in my thoughts and prayers!
Pastor Joel I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for God to comfort you and your family and to supply you with his peace that passes all understanding. Tom Poe
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