Judy Nickel

Fargo

Judy Nickel of Fargo, ND passed away on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 at Kinder Care in West Fargo, ND at the age of 86.

Judith (Judy) Elaine Denney Nickel was born March 7, 1939, in Independence, Kansas to Mary (Edyth) and Merle Denney. Sadly, her father died when Judy was the tender age of 3 in 1942. Edward Hannah became Judy’s stepfather when he married Edyth in 1947. The family lived in various locations in southeast Kansas. In 1957, Judy graduated from Coffeyville High School. She attended Coffeyville Junior College and worked at Ted’s Grill as a hostess and wait staff. Judy was a hard worker who was popular with staff and customers.

Judy married Frank Lloyd Nickel on February 12, 1962, at Wareham, Massachusetts. Judy became stepmother to 4 young children upon marriage. Over the next few years gave birth to two daughters. She raised and loved her children as if she had given birth to them all. The children recall they were so excited when they asked to call her ‘mom’.

Frank was enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served at various bases across the United States moving his family as duty called. Judy was his champion and kept the family going while he was sent on multiple missions, including the Vietnam War. ‘They also serve… who stay home and wait’ is a true statement describing Judy’s bravery, dedication to country and strength in supporting Frank to complete every mission and duty assigned by the Air Force. Judy moved the family to whatever location they were stationed from Otis AFB, MA; Coffeyville, Kansas; Tachikawa, Japan; Minot, ND and multiple temporary housing assignments. These times were a challenge that Judy proudly undertook, even when those duties put Frank in harm’s way and left her at home raising 6 young children alone. Upon honorable discharge in 1971, the family moved to Joplin, Missouri. Judy worked at Eagle Picher building the Space Lab batteries. This matched her imaginative love of all things science and especially curiosity about space.

The family moved to Sawyer, ND in 1973 due to their love of the outdoors and wide-open spaces they had found in North Dakota. While busy raising her family, Judy worked at North K-Mart in Minot. She managed Fashion Accessories and Electronics, ultimately being promoted to Personnel Director. Judy considered her fellow employees as family. Judy was active in the Sawyer Church of the Nazarene as bookkeeper and member of the board. She retired from K-Mart in 1994. Frank was anxious for his love to enjoy a life filled with travel in their Piper Cherokee airplane and their mini-home camper. Together they traversed the United States always ready for adventure. Judy loved adventures and was able to achieve many of her travel goals. She cherished time with her children and grandchildren and spent many hours cooking favorite meals and desserts. She expressed her great capacity for love through caring for others. Everyone was always welcome at the Nickel table to pull up a chair and enjoy her delicious cooking. Friends would laugh that she rattled a few pots and pans and all the sudden delicious smells started coming from the kitchen.

In 2015, Frank and Judy moved to Fargo and became members of Hope Lutheran Church. On January 30, 2017, Frank passed. Judy missed him every day and shared ‘life just wasn’t the same without him.’ Frank and Judy enjoyed a lifetime of adventure, laughter and devotion to each other and their family.

Judy stayed at KinderCare Assisted Living for the last 4 months of her life. The family wishes to acknowledge the exceptional care and compassion they showed to Judy and her family during this time as she lived with Frontal Lobe Variant Alzheimer’s. Judy maintained her dignity and kindness throughout this challenging time of her life. She is loved and missed greatly by all who knew her. The family thanks HIA Hospice for their support of Judy and family as she faced the end of life.

Judy is survived by her sister Johnny Falke, Butler, MO. Her five children, Frank (Cindee) Jr., Grand Island, NE, Marilyn (Kenneth) Wells, Overbrook, KS, Carolyn Razzo, Osawatomie, KS, Karen Nickel, Fargo and Janet (Julian) Thrash, Fargo; 10 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a cherished daughter, Deborah; her beloved siblings: Patty (Seger), Delores (Miller); Linda (Davidson) and an infant brother Merle Denny Jr.

Funeral: Friday, January 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Hope Lutheran Church – South Campus, Fargo, ND with visitation one hour prior and reception to follow.

Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery-North, Fargo.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, January 23, 2026.