Jerald Nickelson

Jerry Nickelson, 56, of Oakley, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of December 6, 2020. He was born July 26, 1964, to Harry and Maxine (Hullet) Nickelson. He graduated from Oakley High School in 1982 and from the University of Kansas in 1988, with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Following graduation, Jerry moved to his beloved San Diego, California, where he lived and worked as a pharmacist for over 30 years. He enjoyed playing softball, traveling the world extensively and was fluent in Spanish, however his favorite hobby was cheering on the University of Kansas Jayhawks basketball team. Actually, all Jayhawk sports, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakley Plainsmen. He also enjoyed working out, staying fit and handsome, to which he succeeded fabulously. Jerry will also be remembered for being up to date on the latest and greatest Apple products and technology and was then kind enough to let you know how out of date you were. Though San Diego brought him a new family and lifelong friendships, Oakley was where part of his heart had always remained. It was here he chose to spend his final years, caring for his mother and enjoying the welcoming embrace of the Oakley Methodist Church and community. He enjoyed spending time at the church in various capacities, but he cherished his time with the bell choir most of all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and many, many friends.

Jerry is survived by his sisters, Sheryl Denny and Judy Woofter; brother Terrell Nickelson; aunt Darlene Stramel; uncles Kelvin and Elvin Hullet; many, many cousins; and nine nieces.

Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Friday, December 11, 2020 at the Oakley Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Saturday, December 12, 2020 at the Oakley Methodist Church, with burial in Oakley City Cemetery. Following Jerry’s wishes, he was cremated and some of his remains will be returned to San Diego and inurned in the Columbarium in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul. We kindly request anyone attending services to please wear a face mask and consider social distancing while offering condolences. The family suggests memorials in Jerry Nickelson’s name to the Oakley Ministerial Alliance for the food pantry at the Oakley United Methodist Church, 611 Maple Ave, Oakley, KS, 67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com