Diane M. Nickels

Diane M. Nickels, 81, of Linden, MI passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.  A graveside service will held 11:00 AM Monday, July 15, 2024 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI.  

Diane was born on May 28, 1942, in Sault St. Marie, MI, the daughter of Eli Hakola and Irja (Mattson) Grizzell.

She married the love of her life, Wilson Nickels, on August 2, 1969, in Brown City.

A life-long Michigan resident, she obtained collegiate degrees from Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan, and Michigan State University.  She began her 32-year teaching career at Brown City, retiring at Imlay City in 1995.  She utilized her long career to continue to teach the virtues of cause and effect to her family.

She enjoyed her retirement spending winters in Arizona with her husband, and her Gold Canyon Book Club; she spent the summers at her lake house in Linden, MI close to her children and grandchildren.

Diane was a talented quilter and crocheter.  She enjoyed making blankets and giving them to friends and family.  Diane also used this talent to provide countless blankets for Project Linus. Diane’s children and grandchildren were extremely important to her. She rarely missed an opportunity to watch her grandchildren play sports, and she videoed countless high school games of her children.

Diane will be deeply missed by her family and friends.  Her warm and caring nature will always be remembered.

Diane is survived by her husband, Wilson; her daughter, Kristie (Greg) Horst of Linden; her son, Derrick (Mona) Nickels of Chicago; grandchildren, Zach, Garrett, Nicole, Wilson, and Eli; and her loving sister Gloria Albrecht of Howell.

Diane was preceded in death by her father, Eli Hakola and her mother, Irja Grizzell of Sault St. Marie. Tributes may shared at www.shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.