Susie Giesbrecht Nickel
Our mother, Susie Giesbrecht Nickel, was born to John and Ida (Unruh) on November 20, 1924 in Montezuma. Her passing was beautiful on the evening of March 1, 2015. She reached the age of 90 years.
In her early childhood, her family lived at Stonington, Colorado, where she attended school for 5 years. Later, they returned to Montezuma, and she finished her education at South Lone Star School.
Mom felt God’s call, responded, and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on December 25, 1938 by Minister Albert Unruh. She treasured this faith until the end.
On April 29, 1945, she was married to Harry Nickel. They shared life together for 53 years. To this union four sons where born. Our father’s passing in 1998 left Mom very lonely. During this time, she found solace in her profound faith and trust in God. Psalms 91 became very special to her, even committing it to memory and reciting it at bedtime each night.
A highlight of mother’s life was the four years she and dad spent in the Dodge City Mission. They established many close friendships during this time.
Mother was always there for us as a family. Her care for us knew no bounds. Mom’s zwiebach, peanut brittle, and pancakes will long be remembered. Her unselfishness in everyday living is a guiding star for us today. Her prayers for us were constant, even until the end. It always seemed to us that when she prayed, God listened. Mother’s number one concern was that every one of her family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren be in Heaven one day.
As grandchildren, we knew Grandma loved us dearly. Going to Grandpa’s farm was a highlight. She made sure each one got a warm hug. There were times during Christmas when the entire family came home. At night the floor in Grandpa’s house was almost entirely covered with sleeping grandchildren.
As we say goodbye today, we are at rest as we remember Mother’s solid confidence in God. We have full assurance that she is home with the Lord.
Those left to cherish fond memories are four sons: Dewayne and Betty of Montezuma, Gilbert and Linda of Center, Colorado, Kenneth and Shirley of Copeland, and Merle and Bonnie of Lobelville, Tennessee; four sisters, Frances Koehn, Lenora Ensz, Evelyn Unruh, and Mary Ann Dirks; one brother, Frank Giesbrecht; 19 grandchildren; and 65 great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband; three brothers, Vernon, Johnnie, and Donald; three sisters, Myrtle, Lizzie, and Dorothy; and five great grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held at the Montezuma Mennonite Church on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. with Ministers Charles Schmidt, Kalvin Salsbury, and Donald Koehn presiding. Burial will follow at the Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma, on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories can be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com
