William Conrad Nickels

William “Bill” Nickels, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024. Born in Canton,

Ohio to Bernadine Spisek and William Nickels, Bill was the second of four children and graduated from Glenwood High School. He pursued pre-med studies at Ohio State

and Kent State Universities before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1971 during the Vietnam War. His military service took him to various bases, including McClellan Air Force Base in California and concluding at Shemya Air Force Base in Alaska, where he served as an electronic communications and crypto equipment system repairman.

After his honorable discharge, Bill returned to Sacramento, California, where he found his true passion in chemistry. He enrolled at Sacramento State University, earning his degree in May 1977. Bill began his career as a lab technician with the Department of Water Resources, quickly rising to Junior Chemist, and ultimately managing the lab until his retirement in 2009 after 37 years of dedicated service.

In 1979, Bill and his ex-wife adopted a daughter, Cristine, and in

2003, he married Charlene, gaining a second daughter, Laci. Bill was a man of many passions; he loved fishing, archery, and was

especially devoted to golf, spending countless hours on the course or watching tournaments from home.

A man of strong faith, Bill found comfort in his belief in Christ, often sharing his conviction about his place in Heaven. His journey through life was marked by a desire for others to witness the peace of God, even in challenging times. He famously remarked that he would endure it all again if it meant furthering God’s kingdom.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Charlene; daughters Laci (Terilyn) Goode and Cristine (Brian) Bunker; granddaughters Izzy and Abby; his sister Pam (Dan) Novak; brother John Nickels; and sister-in-law Andrea Nickels. He was preceded in death by his father William Nickels, Bother Nick Nickels and mother Bernadine Nickels.