Margaret L. Nickels, age 99 of Aurora, NE, died Saturday, June 20, 2026 in York, NE. She was born on April 15, 1927 to Alfred and Thirza (VanOstrand) Welch in Bradshaw, NE. She was united in marriage to Ezra Nickels on January 20, 1946 in Bradshaw, NE. Following Ezra’s passing in 1968, she was united in marriage to Virgil Nickels on June 8, 1969 in York.
Margaret was a longtime member of the Bradshaw Methodist Church. She worked as a baker at Trofholz Bakery, Lauderbaugh Bakery and at Grand Central. Her delicious pies and delicious meals were enjoyed by many. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, working crossword puzzles, and reading, often finishing a book a day. Above all, she cherished her time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be remembered as a loving grandmother.
She is survived by her son James Nickels of Lower Brule, South Dakota; daughter Patti (William) Palik of Aurora; grandchildren Jeremy Nickels of Atlanta, GA; Angela Hamilton of Atlanta, GA; Derek (Theresa) Palik of York; Amy (Charles) Carter of Benedict, NE; great-grandchildren Samantha Hamilton of Iowa; Zachary Hamilton of Atlanta, GA; Magnum Hamilton of Iowa; Cressa Nickels of Atlanta, GA; Warren Nickels of Atlanta, GA; Ty Palik of Lincoln; Kya Palik of York; Talon Carter of Benedict and Grace Carter of Benedict.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Ezra and Virgil; brother Harold Welch, sisters Eunice Ratzliff, Edith Welch, Ethel Winter Halter, and great-grandson, Joey Nickels.
Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2026 at the Metz Chapel in York. Inurnment will follow in the Plainfield cemetery in Bradshaw. Per Margaret’s wishes she has been cremated so there will be no viewing. However, a signing of her book and her family greeting friends will be held one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.