Tom Kees Nickel, 76, died peacefully with his family by his side on May 16, 2025, after a long, cruel battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on September 13, 1948, to Joy Kees Nickel and Herb Nickel. Tom was raised in Winneconne Wisconsin. He was a standout athlete on the basketball court, an avid outdoorsman, and had a sense of humor that you wouldn’t forget if you had the pleasure of meeting him. He will be deeply missed, especially his humor and genuinely good-natured personality.

Tom married the love of his life, Susan (Baitinger), also from Winneconne in 1973. To most, she was Susie or Sue – but to Tom, she was Susan and later “Ma”. Their relationship was full of humor, maybe a little teasing, and lots of love. They started their marriage as caretakers of the Fox River Hunting and Fishing Club only accessible by boat on the Wolf River. Their mutual love of the outdoors led them across the state on a camping trip to Perrot State Park. After that, they were sold on the area and eventually built their home in Trempealeau. Over the years they shared countless outdoor adventures – trapping snapping turtles, lots of fishing, and time at their cabin in northern Wisconsin.

Tom began siding homes at the age of 16 and he started his business Nickel Siding and Trim shortly after moving to Trempealeau. His business gained quite a reputation, and people were impressed that he was able to side a ranch house without a ladder. Our house was the only one in the neighborhood that had a sided treehouse.

Tom’s pride and joy was his kids and grandkids. His two daughters knew they could count on him for anything. Whether it was to catch 100’s of softball fast pitches after a hard day’s work, attend ballgames no matter how far away or have countless games of horse on the basketball court. He did it all with a smile and many jokes. They also knew he would be able to help them solve any problem with his levelheaded and supportive approach. Even though he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease after his 5 grandchildren were born, it never stopped him from spending quality time with them.

Tom was known for his calm presence and sharp wit. He could always be counted on for a word of wisdom or a perfectly timed one-liner. Tom wouldn’t miss a Packers, Brewers, or Bucks game if he could help it. He followed them all closely, but planned on a loss, and then was pleasantly surprised when they won.

He is survived by his wife Susan; his daughters Sara (Eric) Flack and Rachael (Jeff) Stoner; his grandchildren Jake, Logan and Matthew Stoner and Sidney and Anna Flack; his sister, Mary (Bill) Lindner; his brother Ralph (Diana) Nickel; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Herb and Joy Nickel, his brother Jim Nickel, and his nephew Nathaniel Nickel.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the medical staff at Gundersen Hospital specifically the Medical Specialty Unit.

Funeral services will be held at the Trempealeau United Methodist Church, 24255 Fourth Street in Trempealeau on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. The service will begin at 11:00am with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the United Methodist Church are preferred.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.