Obituary of Lois Marie Nickel
Lois Marie Nickel
(nee Lawson)
Lois Marie Nickel, age 90, a lifetime resident of Channahon and Joliet, IL, passed away peacefully at her home, with family, on Monday, November 14, 2022, after many years of coping with dementia. Lois was born on June 11th, 1932, to the late and William Byrd and Alice (nee McCloud) Lawson. She attended Rock Run grade school, a one room schoolhouse, through 8th grade, and then attended Joliet Township High for 3 years and Minooka High for her senior year.
Lois met the love of her life, Duane “Bud” Lewis Nickel, when she was 16 and they wed, November 3, 1956, when she was 24, at the Channahon United Methodist Church. Upon her parent’s death, Lois and Bud bought the family home where they raised their 3 children, celebrating 47 married years together before Bud passed in 2004.
Family was Lois’s priority, and she cherished every moment spent with family and friends. She loved to cuddle babies and welcomed each new addition with joy and excitement. She showed her love to all by feeding anyone who stepped through her door: all were welcome at her table and never left hungry. She loved to cook, bake, preserve what Bud grew in the garden, and share whatever she had. Rarely did she use a recipe. Lois also loved to sew, crochet, and volunteer wherever needed. Her philosophy was: Help where you can, use it up, wear it out, or pass it on to someone who needs it.
Lois was a lifelong member of Channahon United Methodist Church and raised her family in the church. She was active teaching Sunday school, holding various leadership positions, joining church communities and volunteering. The highlight of every year for her was the annual Turkey Supper. She was known as “the gravy lady” for many years.
She held a number of jobs over the years including at Caterpillar (pre kids), the Troy School District, Will County Senior Services Center, and she finally retired from Kaluzy Bros. after more than 15 years of dedicated service.
Lois is survived by her three children, Alice Marie (Mark) Nichols, Michael Duane Nickel, and Dean Lewis Nickel; she was a devoted grandmother to Kaitlyn and Alexandra “Lexie” Nickel and Dylan Nickel, and her great-grandson, Hudson Hipshur. Also surviving are her sister, Mary Ann Mudroch and brother, John (Diana) Lawson, numerous nieces & nephews and their families, as well as her amazing caregivers, Angel Doy, Linda Esposito.
She is preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, two sisters and their spouses, Jean (Don) Celia, Martha (Harold) Fraker, and brother and sister-in-law, Albert “Clive” (Clara Mae) Lawson; brother-in-law, Martin Mudroch; as well as, sister- & brother-in-law, Winnifred “Dutch” (George) Beallis.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, a donation in her name to Channahon United Methodist Church, 24751 W Eames St,, Channahon, IL 60410, Easter Seals, 212 Barney Dr, Joliet, IL 60435, or the March of Dimes, 310 N Hammes Ave #302d, Joliet, IL 60435, would be appreciated.
Funeral Services for Lois Marie Nikel will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, November 18, 2022, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the funeral home from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite or leave an online condolence.
