Karl Nickel

Karl L. Nickel,
Karl "Lud" Nickel, age 89 of Caledonia passed away Friday afternoon Jan 11th, 2013 at Riverside Methodist Hospital after a brief illness. He was born September 5th, 1923 in Burchobel, Germany as the son of the late Henry & Marie E. (Stroh) Nickel. Lud immigrated to the United Sates with his parents while still a small child. He was a graduate of Caledonia High School and served proudly in the United States Army during World War II. Most of his working career was spent at Tecumseh in Marion where he rose to the position of Assistant Superintendent. He was also a Farmer for most of his life and well known as a brick layer and concrete mason. Karl was a member of Caledonia Post 401 of the American Legion and the Caledonia Memorial United Methodist Church. In his spare time he loved to fish and traveled with his family extensively around the United States and Canada for that purpose. Another of his favorite past times was attending auctions and flea markets. But he enjoyed his family and friends most of all. He was a regular at the Liar's Table at the Camouflage CafAC. in Caledonia and with his group of friends at the Meijers Deli. There was nothing that meant more to him than having his family gathered together. In 1946 Lud married the former Flora L. Harris and they enjoyed their time together until she was taken in March of 1996. He is survived by his two daughters, Karen Goff and Jane (Les) Pierce of Caledonia. Six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Lud was preceded in death by his daughters Karla in 1983 and Linda Shearer in 2006. He was also preceded by his son-in-law Richard Goff in 2005 and grandson James Goff in 2001, two brothers and two sisters. Funeral Services for Karl Nickel will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday January 15th at the Timson Allen & Melroy Funeral Home in Caledonia with Pastor Ryan Strother officiating. Interment will follow in Caledonia Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the Marion Veteran's Council. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 6 - 9. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Marion County Veterans Service Office.