Nichols, Gerald D. "Nick" 1919-2014

NICHOLS, BRANT, PAISLEY, ELSASSER

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 11/14/2014 at 19:51:45

Gerald (“Nick”) D. Nichols, 95, of Clinton passed away in his sleep October 13, 2014. A celebration of life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Clinton Saturday October 18th. The family will greet friends at 9:30 AM until the memorial service at 11:00 AM with a lunch to follow. The Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes of Clinton is assisting the family with arrangements. Per Gerald’s wishes, cremation rights were accorded.
Gerald was born October 7, 1919 in Poplar, Minnesota, the son of James F. and Iva (Brant) Nichols. He married Irene B. Paisley November 20, 1945 in Dubuque, Iowa. Irene passed away May 8, 2010.
Nick was a 1939 graduate of Dunkerton High School and captain of the basketball team. He worked on the J.B. Elliot farm near Independence, Iowa, and later for Douglas Aircraft of California before being drafted into the Army on September 11, 1941. Transferring to the regular army later that month, he attended airplane mechanics school, electrical specialist school, a teacher’s training course, and taught in the electrical specialist school before entering pilots training where he graduated in June of 1943. Gerald served 23 months in the South Pacific Theater of operations as a pilot before being discharged on December 27, 1945.
Upon discharge, Gerald served his plumber’s apprenticeship with Domestic Plumbing of Clinton. In 1952, Gerald and Irene teamed up to purchase Christianson Plumbing and Pump Co. After changing the name to Modern Plumbing and Pump Co. they ran the business for 25 years, serving the residents of Clinton and the surrounding area farmers. The business was sold in 1977 to Bud and Rosie Jacobs.
Gerald was a member of the First Congregational Church, joined Western Star Lodge No.100 A.F. & A.M.(a 50 year member), Clinton Scottish Rite Bodies; KAABA Shrine of Davenport, and York Rite Bodies in Clinton, along with the America Lodge 567 of the IOOF, and the American Legion. He loved playing cards, working in his shop, doing design modifications of his solar panels, and being with his family.
Gerald is survived by one daughter, Jane (Craig) Elsasser and two sons, Dale (Christine) and James (Cheryl), all of Clinton; 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and a special friend, Janet Burlingame. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother, and one sister. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church or the Honor Flight of Quad Cities.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.snell-zornig.com.