ERNST (ERNIE) NICKEL

ERNST (ERNIE) NICKEL July 9,1927 ~ November 29, 2025
We are deeply saddened to announce that our dad, Ernie Nickel, passed away at the rich age of 98 years. He is survived by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Arnie (Gladys) Nickel and their family, Richard (Bre’el) Nickel and Benjamin and Joelle, Christopher (Cassie) Nickel and Jayde (Landon) Kubinchak and Vaida, Beck and Vann; Linda (Jim) Spear and their family, Scott (Erica) Spear and Tyson, Stacy (Kelsey) Jamieson and Hayden and McKenna; Irvin (Irmie) Nickel and their family, Ronalee (Josh) Goertz and Logan and Isla, Shelby (Tracey) Nickel and Jack and Jesse; Trudy (Bob) Reimer and their family, Stephanie (Ryan) Strang and Thomas and Loa, Becky (Andrew) Heidebrecht and Emily and Zachary; Debbie (Mark) Penner and their family, Nathan (Hannah) Penner and Hazel and Ollie, Kurtis (Alli) Penner and Gavin, Lucy and Quinn, Nolan (Tiana) Penner and Leo, Sloan and Jasper, Sydney (Ryan) Page, Willow, Dakota and Briar; Ernie’s sister, Annie Ratzlaff; brother, Peter Nickel; as well as many extended family and friends. Ernie was predeceased by his loving wife of 73 years, Irma Nickel; and his siblings, David Nickel, John Nickel, Kathy Rempel, and Margaret Nickel. Ernie was born to J.D. and Sara Nickel on July 9, 1927, in Beaverlodge, Alberta. He loved hunting and trapping to help support his family’s homestead. As a teenager he moved with his family to Rosemary, Alberta, and in 1948, he married Irma Janzen. Soon after, they moved to Calgary to raise and expand their growing family. Ernie began his career in the construction trade and later when they moved to Medicine Hat he continued to work in construction. In the mid 1950’s, Ernie and Irma acquired property in the Seven Persons area, where they homesteaded and helped build a growing community with the building of a school and a church. After Ernie and Irma sold the farm in 1995, they moved to Medicine Hat. Ernie continued his passion for farming by joining Alberta Hail and Crop Insurance as an agent. He loved driving. In his 70’s he still loved to drive the motor home to Palm Springs. Ernie and Irma also enjoyed tours to Nashville and their vacation to Hawaii was another favourite memory for them. As Ernie got older, drives out to the old farm community became highlights of his week; there he would visit friends and neighbours from days gone by and watch the combines in the fall. He continued this tradition until he broke his hip in late 2024. During his year in care, he loved to watch the construction work on the new development of the care facility. He was hopeful that he would not need to move rooms within the care facility again. Ernie is now home, fully in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His traveling days are done. Rest in Peace Dad. For those wishing to pay their respects, a public visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel,1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ernst Nickel. Funeral arrangements by