Edna Marie (Schroeder) Nickel, the daughter of David H. and Helena (Peters) Schroeder was born on August 26, 1924, in Carson Township, Cottonwood County, MN. She received her education at a country school near her home and the Mountain Lake High School, graduating as Salutatorian in 1943. Edna was baptized upon her confession of faith at the Bethel Mennonite Church on May 24, 1942, where she remained a member until her death.
On September 6, 1945, Edna was united in marriage to John W. Nickel at Bethel Mennonite Church. They made their home and farmed together on the Nickel family farm until moving into their new home in Mountain Lake in 1984. After John's death in May, 2008, Edna moved to Parkwood Place in September, 2008, and later to Good Samaritan Facilities in Mountain Lake in February, 2011.
She served her Lord by being active in teaching Sunday school, Worship and Sew Society, and supported many projects in both her church and other ministries with both her time and finances. Edna was Bethel Mennonite Church secretary for over 15 years. She enjoyed embroidery, crossword puzzles, baking, bus tours, visiting family and friends, and taking part in events with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Edna died on Thursday, May 14, 2020.
Edna is survived by 3 children, Dorothy Nickel (Richard) Friesen of Newton, KS, Daryl Nickel of Golden, CO, and Audrey Nickel (Michael) Bjerum of Romeoville, IL; 4 grandchildren, Melissa Friesen of Bluffton, OH, Joanna Friesen (Stephen) Parks of Wichita, KS, John (Joanna) Bjerum of Newton, KS, and Anne Bjerum (Max) Hurtado of Mokena, IL; 6 great-grandchildren, Lydia and Sam Parks of Wichita, KS; Davy & Lina Bjerum of Newton, KS, and Christina and Isabella Hurtado, Mokena, IL, many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Louise Balzer and Pauline Balzer, two brothers, Menno and Robert, niece Marilyn Franz, and nephews Stan Schroeder and David Balzer.
Memorials for Good Samaritan - Mountain Lake; Bethel Mennonite Church, Mountain Lake; Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, IN; Swan Lake Christian Camp, Viborg, SD.
