Glen Nichols

Glen A. Nichols, 71, of Wiota, passed away Monday, September 19, 2016, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Glen Allan was born on August 20, 1945, in a hotel on Main Street in Massena, Iowa, the son of Lloyd E. and Gladys M. (Sager) Nichols. He was the youngest of seven children. He attended country school and Anita Community Schools. On August 1, 1968, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country during Vietnam. During his time in the service he was a marksman and worked on heavy machinery. After returning from overseas he joined the National Guard on July 22, 1970. While in the military he earned a National Defense Service Medal and a Marksmanship M-14. Glen was given an honorable discharge with a rank of Specialist 4 on July 31, 1974.

As a teenager, he was united in marriage to Maxine. He then married Susan, and the couple lived in Odessa, Texas. Glen loved living in Texas and while there he worked as an oil rigger. Later he married Sandy and the couple lived in Spencer. Together they worked hard at the hog confinement performing most of the manual labor. Later they moved to Council Bluffs. For awhile he was homeless, but at times lived with his brother, Charles while working as a bartender in Omaha.

Glen moved back to Atlantic and began work at Hormel for Milt Knutson taking care of the hogs when needed. After his move he met Diane on April 4, 1996, and the couple married at Lewis Lake on July 21st of the same year. He was sort of a jack of all trades that included home remodeling, lawn mowing, cutting trees to be sold to restaurants to smoke meat, and even masonry on the high school and other local businesses. Glen also worked at Wal-Mart, farmed, and drove truck, including a postal truck. He took pride in keeping his lawn looking nice, and he and Diane were very proud of all the landscaping they did together. Glen loved animals, especially his dog and potbellied pig, Chip and Porky. He also enjoyed the geese and chickens on their yard. Diane treasured their time together and will remember Glen as the sweetest, kindest man. Glen had a knack for making people laugh, even Diane. No matter what he always stood up for her, whether she was right or wrong.

Glen is survived by his loving wife, Diane; daughter, Christina Kay; step-children, Dwayne (Kathy) Lough and William (Bonica) Lough; sister, Darlene (John) Miles; sisters and brother-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Gladys Nichols; daughter, Lori Ann Nichols; sons, Monty Wray Nichols and Mark Allan Nichols; brothers, Robert, Charles, Byron, and Gae; and sister, Dixie.

Open visitation will be available Saturday, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m., until the family visitation starting at 2 p.m.

Visitation with the family will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday, September 26, 2016, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Roland Funeral Home, with Reverend Garry DeGeest officiating. Military honors will be given by the Atlantic Color Guard. Burial will follow the service at 2:00 p.m. at the Iowa Veteran's Cemetery in Adel, Iowa.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Glen's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF
Glen Allan Nichols
BORN
August 20, 1945 - Massena, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
September 19, 2016 - Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of
71 years & 30 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Roland Funeral Home - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Reverend Garry DeGeest
Wiota United Methodist Church - Wiota, Iowa

MUSICAL SELECTIONS (Likely recorded)
“Give Me Jesus” recorded by Vince Gill
“Poor Wayfaring Stranger” recorded by Trace Atkins
“In the Garden” recorded by Elvis Presley
“Wind Beneath My Wings” recorded by Bette Midler

CASKET BEARERS
Will Lough
Dwayne Lough
Dean Esbeck
Joe Irlmeier
Scott Esbeck
Todd Esbeck
Sara Nichols
Charles Griffin

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Bob Nichols
Milt Knutson
Dave Kelly
Guy Somers

INTERMENT
Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery - Adel, Iowa

MILITARY HONORS
Atlantic Color Guard & Iowa Army National Guard Honor Guard