Gary Dean Nickel, 74, Moorhead, MN, passed away Friday, May 20, 2022, at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, ND, under the care of Hospice.
Gary was born October 8, 1947, to Orlando and Olga (Thompson) Nickel. He attended Moorhead State College from 1972 to 1974, and NDSU from 1975 to 1977. Gary entered the US Air Force on May 24, 1966, and served in Vietnam. He was discharged on December 14, 1969, and was then active in the ND Air Guard from 1970 to 1986, when he retired as a Master Sergeant. Gary received three Air Force commendation medals.
Gary married Terry Thometz on June 16, 1973, at Evangelical Church in Moorhead. He worked for Moorhead Public Service from 1977 to 2005, obtaining a Class A operator license. He loved his time in the Air Guard and loved the guys at the Moorhead Water Treatment Plant.
Gary enjoyed fishing, camping, toying with his boats, old cars, target shooting, cheering football teams, his dogs and helping others. He loved his best friend, Bill, who shared his old cars with him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Laverne Bogan of Denver, CO.
Gary is survived by his wife, Terry; sister, Myrna Doctor, Arizona; and nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to the staff at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, and Hospice.
A graveside service, with full military honors, will be Friday, June 10, 2022, at 10 AM, in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo. There will be a lunch following the service.