Glenn David Nichols

Glenn (Bud) David Nichols, age 93, of Chatfield, passed away on Monday, January 05, 2015 from complications of pneumonia at St. Mary's Hospital with his daughter, Amy, by his side.

He was born on September 17, 1921 to Robert and Nelva (David) Nichols in Rochester, MN, the first of their six children. He grew up in Chatfield, MN.

He married LaVerne Stark on July 1, 1940 in Decorah, IA. They had four daughters, Glenda, Sharon, Lorna and Kathy. They were later divorced. He was inducted in to the US Army on September 28, 1943 and was a private in the Air Corps. He later received an honorable discharge.

On November 29, 1951, he married Lorraine Nichols in Long Beach, CA. Together they raised four daughters, Karen, Cathy, Amy, and Linda and two sons, Robert and Glenn. Lorraine died in June 2001.

Glenn had numerous jobs over the years. Two of his favorites were driving a Greyhound bus in California and traveling the US as an over-the-road trucker for many years. He was also a radio DJ in Oakes, ND playing the country western music he enjoyed as his children listened from home. He returned his family to his home town of Chatfield in 1969. He enjoyed several years as the city's dog catcher, going to great lengths to return the pets to their owners or find them new homes. He always said "The more I know people, the more I love my dog.".
He loved playing card games, cribbage, bingo and auction sales. After he retired, he discovered a love and talent for wood working and made a variety of keepsakes for his family which they will treasure. He learned to play the organ in his 70’s and in his 80’s learned to use a computer. He rode his Moped around Chatfield until in his late 80's. He had a difficult time "acting his age".

Glenn is survived by seven of his daughters, Glenda (Fleming) Garman (Jim) of Tucson, AZ and her children, Dawn, John and David; Sharon Teat of Stillwater, MN and her children, Michael, Kathy and Sharry; Lorna Smasal (Mike) of Buffalo, MN and their children, Robyn and Dennis; Karen Castle (Bill) of Gladstone, MI and their daughter, Mitzi; Cathy Finseth of Chetek, WI and her daughters, Jenny and Jessica; Amy Zincke (Dave) of Stewartville, MN and their children, Angela and David; Linda Suter (Bob) of Rochester, MN and their daughter, Amanda; one son, Glenn Nichols II (Mary) of Chatfield, MN and their daughters, Nicole & Sara; and daughter-in-law, Michelle Nichols of Chatfield, MN and her children, Joshua, Ashley and Tanner . He was also blessed with 25 great-grandchildren. He is survived by a special niece, Lanette (Russ) Turchin of Gwinner, ND, who he loved like a daughter, his youngest sister, Twyla, (Toy) Huggett (Don) of St Bonifacius, MN, and many loving nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special friend, Joyce Markus of Plainview, MN. They shared a love of bingo, watching Twins and Vikings games and enjoyed a lively game of Kings in the Corner. He is also survived by his German Shepherd, Keno, who was his best friend and constant companion for over 13 years.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lorraine, daughter, Kathy Nichols, son, Robert Nichols, his parents, sons-in-law, Leon Teat and Harry Fleming, a brother, Curtis, and sisters, Allene Shattuck, Donna Huff, and Jean Krause.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks for the compassionate "end of life" care provided Dad by the medical team (Drs Molly Feely & Deanne Kashiwagi & PA Kristin Hembre) and the nursing staff (Tina Oin, Katie Lemke, Amy Roberson & Macy Malin) on Joseph 7 while at St Mary's Hospital.; to Public Health nurses, Angie Bicknese and Maisa Johnson and Dr John Cierzan at OMC, thank you for always being Dad's advocates and helping us make good decisions about his health care; to home health care provider, Patty Schweitzer and nurse, April Johnson, for the loving in-home care that enabled Dad to remain in his home for so long; and a special thank you to Cate Milbrandt and her girls for recently "adopting" Keno and giving him such a wonderful home. You came in to Dad’s life at just the right time.

As were his wishes, a private interment service will be held when the Preston Veterans Memorial Cemetery is completed. Memorials will be used for the continued care of Keno and other rescued German Shepherds or may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Glenn loved his family deeply and will be greatly missed. He will live on in their hearts forever.

Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements.  To share a memory of Glenn, please visit www.rileyfuneralhomes.com.