David M. Nickla
David M. Nickla, age 66, retired from Local 150; lifetime resident of Lyons, IL; loving father of Jessica Nickla and Brian Nickla, Air Force Staff Sgt.; dear brother of Diann (the late Steven) Grazulis, Denise (Ed) Screens, Jim Nickla, Debbie (Michelle) Smith, Sharon Behnke; pre-deceased by parents Marie & Robert Nickla and sisters Marie Tomasello & Caryn (James) Pennington and brother Robert Nickla, Jr.; former husband of Wendy Elder, devoted mother to his children; dear uncle and friend of many.
David Michael Nickla, born June 4th, 1955 passed away in the early morning hours of August 7th, 2021 after his body’s battle with liver cirrhosis. He was a devoted son, supportive brother, proud father, and dependable friend.
Dave was a hard worker; from multiple jobs as a young man to joining Local 150 Operating Engineers as a heavy equipment operator and would fix them up as well. Even after shattering his feet he recovered and continued working. After work he would continue tinkering in the garage on cars, lawn mowers, etc. He was always willing to lend a hand and help out when family and friends needed anything, be it mechanical, plumbing, electrical, financial, etc. He was a Mr. Fix It with a huge heart.
For as much as he liked working hard Dave enjoyed his free time as well. He loved soaking in the sun from his pool or garage whether it was at a party he was throwing, with a few friends or family, or just enjoying time relaxing by himself. He was fond of road trips to go see NASCAR races and visit family. He loved playing pool with friends and could definitely get competitive. He appreciated the days he could get some people together to take the boat out to cruise the river and spend the day on Lake Michigan and the beach. You could always count on him to show up to family events, red cooler in hand, usually sitting by the fire if there was one, and enjoying everyone’s company and conversation. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Visitation 2 p.m. until time of Funeral Service, 7 p.m. on Friday, August 13, 2021 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in David’s name to American Liver Foundation are appreciated. Funeral Information: (708) 352-6500
I love you Dave. Rest in Peace, you are finally home. See you soon.
Jess and Brian,
Keep all those great memories close and he will be in your hear forever.
I love you both.
Aunt Sharon
My brother was my best friend and we talked weekly. I said good bye on July 30 the last time be was released from the hospital. When I got the call he was was in the ER waiting for a hospice room. I have never been so lost.
I finally retired and had hoped we would have more time together. I’m glad I was able to be here during his hospital stays. I hoped for more time at home. I can not reconcile being with out Dave my last brother. We are diminished further losing two sisters in 2020. I can only try one day at a time for straight.
I will always remember stopping by the house on a whim and talk about everything and anything for a couple hours. I will miss that Brother in Law you were the Brother I never had.. LOVE YOU
We will miss you. Your family lived just around the corner from mine when growing up. Enjoyed many happy times including going to the car race tracks.