Leon M. Nichols

Leon M. Nichols, age 91, of O'Neill, formerly of Page, passed away Tuesday morning, April 16, 2013, at his home.

Visitation was held at 1:30 p.m. on, Friday, April 19, 2013, at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at 3 p.m., on Friday, April 19, 2013, St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill with Fr. James Netusil officiating. Music was provided by organist, Jean McIntosh and the St. Patrick's funeral choir.

Pallbearers were Dave Troester, Aaron Troester, Bob Litz, Grant Litz, Mason Litz and Paul Andrews

Honorary pallbearers were Denise Litz, Jennifer Troester, Julia Bauer and Barrett Troester.

Burial was in the O'Neill Cemetery with military rites conducted by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93 and VFW Post #926 and escorted by the American Legion Riders.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of arrangements.

Leon was born on April 25, 1921, in Chicago, IL, to John and Catherine (Stahacz) Nichols. He graduated from St. Augustine's High School then enlisted in the Navy. He served on the USS Pasadena during World War II. The Navy sent him to Texas A&M where he earned his bachelor of science in aeronautical engineering.

In 1944 he was married to Hazel Gusnard of St. Louis, MO. They met while he was working at Curtis Wright in St. Louis. Later they made their home in the Chicago area while he and his brother worked together building the family food service business, Badger Murphy. During that time he also worked for several years as a plant engineer at Economics Laboratory, Inc. 

After retiring at age 71, due to a stroke, he and Hazel moved to Nebraska to join family. They both enjoyed the friendships and acquaintances they developed while living near Page and later in O'Neill since 1992.

He had many interests in his younger days, they included flying, bowling, tennis, golfing, playing the piano and dancing. He also enjoyed attending his class reunions after moving to Nebraska to reconnect with former classmates.

Leon was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed yet remembered most for his wonderful attitude and exuberance for life.

Leon is survived by his daughter Sharyn Troester and husband Dave of O'Neill; two grandchildren, Denise Litz and husband Bob and Aaron Troester and wife Jennifer, all of O'Neill; four great-grandchildren: Grant Litz, Mason Litz, Julia Bauer and Barrett Troester, all of O'Neill; one sister-in-law, LaVerne Nichols of Orland Park, IL; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Julia Nichols and one brother, John Nichols.       17pd