Clear Lake- Kenneth “Ken” Duane Nichols died on Saturday, February 1 st , 2025.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30a.m., on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Clear Lake Open
Bible Church, 509 S 17 th St. Clear Lake, IA 50428, with Pastor Eric Pluff officiating. Military honors
will be conducted by members of the Clear Lake VFW Post #4868.
A visitation will be held one hour prior to service on Saturday at the church. An inurnment will be
held at Mt. Vernon Township Cemetery in Swaledale, IA, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the family.
Ken was born in Mason City on November 29, 1956; the son of Donald and Dorothy (Kennedy)
Nichols. Ken graduated from Britt High School and went on to serve his country with pride in the
U.S. Navy until his honorable discharge. On June 11, 1982 he was united in marriage to Vickie
Kuhlman in Mason City, IA; they were then blessed with three children. Ken was a mechanic and
dedicated his time and talents to Opportunity Village, Winnebago Industries, and Curries
Manufacturing. His commitment to service never wavered—he continued in the U.S. Navy Reserves
and later joined the Iowa National Guard in the 1133rd Transportation Company out of Mason City,
bravely deploying to Iraq in 2003.
Ken had a love for the outdoors and could often be found fishing or watching birds. He was an avid
NASCAR fan, always cheering on Martin Truex Jr. He was a loyal football enthusiast, rooting for the
Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders and the Iowa Hawkeyes! He treasured movie nights with his
daughters and had a knack for cooking, filling his home with the smells of his favorite recipes. More
than anything, Ken cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, creating memories that
will live on in their hearts.
Left to honor his memory are his parents, Donald and Dorothy Nichols; his children, Joe, Lindsey,
and Leslie Nichols; his beloved grandchildren, Anthony, Rayna, Bobbi, and Jade; and his best friend
Vickie Nichols, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
He is reunited in peace with his brother, Arnie Nichols, and his paternal grandparents, John and Mae
Nichols.
Ward Van-Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1 st Ave N Clear Lake, IA 50428. 641-357-2193
www.colonialchapels.com
