Gladys R. Nickel

Gladys Rae Nickel, 80, of Minden, passed away on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at her home. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at the Kearney Cemetery with the Rev. Donald Hunzeker and PMA Julie Schmidt officiating. The service will be live streamed to the funeral home’s Facebook page. There will be no visitation as the family has honored Gladys’ wish to be cremated. Memorials in Gladys’ honor are kindly suggested to the Minden Volunteer Fire Department. Craig Funeral Home in Minden is in charge of the arrangements. Gladys was born on March 25, 1941 in Ravenna, Nebraska to Arthur and Mabel (Carstensen) Alderman. She grew up and attended school in Ravenna. She was united in marriage to Melvin Busch on September 15, 1958 in Kearney, and to this union, three children were born: Tim, Cindy, and Barbara. The family made their home in the Kearney and Gibbon area, where Gladys was employed by the Eaton Manufacturing Corporation. She was united in marriage to Paul Nickel in October of 1979 in Gibbon. Gladys was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Minden, where she enjoyed making many quilts for mission projects. She was also an active member in the Kearney County Horticulture Club. Her favorite hobbies included: spending time with family, gardening, quilting, and discussing baking, birds, and plants with anyone. Her only rule was no discussing politics! She enjoyed baking cakes and cookies, and was known best for her signature cheesecakes which often times had a sliver missing “for quality control”. Those left to cherish her memory include her significant other, Merlin Keen; son, Tim Busch and wife, Cindy; daughter, Barbara Yendra; step-sons, Rob Keen and wife, Jennifer, Ron Keen and wife, Joan, and Jeff Keen and wife, Jamey; step-daughter, Gwen Randel and husband, David; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister, Reva Smith; as well as a host of extended relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Cindy Busch; sister, Jeanette Hurt; and husband, Paul Nickel. Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.

Gladys R. Nickel

March 25, 1941 - May 13, 2021