Robert E. Nichols, 81, of Merrill, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, at his home.
Robert was born Oct. 19, 1930, in Milwaukee, son of the late Charles and Frances (Ora) Nichols. He married Carol Kriewald March 11, 1952, in Merrill. She survives.
Robert had been a Data Processing Manager for AT&T in the Milwaukee area. He enjoyed baseball, whether it was playing the game in his younger years, coaching, or being a baseball booster. After he and his wife retired and moved to Merrill, Robert volunteered his time for 11 years as an assistant coach with the Merrill Senior High School Baseball Team. He also enjoyed spending time on the family property on Tug Lake. Robert was a former treasurer for both St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill, and the Town of Rock Falls. From 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1955, Robert served with the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in England.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Nichols, Merrill; (5) sons, Steven (wife, Kim) Nichols, Greendale, Thomas Nichols (with fiancee, Dena) of Phoenix, AZ, John (wife, Mary Jo) Nichols, Colorado Springs, CO, David Nichols, Plymouth, WI, and Matthew Nichols, Waukesha; and (8) grandchildren, Kelly, Stephanie, Paul, Emily, Madeline, Benjamin, Joseph, and Seth. He is preceded in death by (1) sister, Ora Joan Noll.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Pastor Missy Holdorf will officiate. Burial will take place later this spring in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery, with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.