"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body;
But rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW, WHAT A RIDE!"
Ret. Sgt. Randy L. Nickels, 59, of Durango, CO, passed away on April 19th, 2022, surrounded by his wife and children. Randy was a decorated veteran who served in the United States Army.
Randy is survived by his wife, Anita Nickels; children: Angel Nickels and Sean Nickels; siblings: Debra and Stephen Easley, Michael and Susan Nickels, and James "Jay” Nickels; as well as his beloved pet, Striker, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Preceding Randy in death were his parents: Dean and Patricia Nickels; siblings: Robert Nickels and Mitze Rethwisch; and nephews: Dean Black, Jason Easley, Brandon Nickels, and Nicholas Leinen.
Randy was born on February 5th, 1963 in Osceola, NE. He was the youngest child born to his parents, Dean and Patricia Nickels. When he was just 18, Randy decided that he wanted to join the Army and was later stationed at Fort Riley, KS; Fort Sill, OK; Fort Lewis, WA; and in Germany. During his time in Germany, he met and fell for Anita Wahlig, who he soon married in 1990. Randy would go on to serve several tours of duty, including Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Provide Comfort, and Bosnia. He served as an EMT, flight paramedic, nurse (MASH), and CID agent. During his service, Randy was honored with several medals, including two Meritorious Service Medals, Commendation Medal and Achievement Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon/Medal. Randy served from February 1982 until December 1999, at which time he medically retired.
Alongside his passion for serving his country, he enjoyed countless hobbies that reflected his passion for living life to the fullest. Randy loved riding Harley Davidson motorcycles and was a lifetime H.O.G. member, as well as a charter member of the Iron Horse H.O.G. Durango Chapter. Randy had a heart for helping others and poured his heart into multiple fundraisers for people in need. He also enjoyed scuba diving, photography, artistry, and vehicles. Additionally, Randy was a firearm enthusiast who had a knack for technology. Yet, above all, Randy’s life purpose was to love and care for the family and friends around him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW Post 4031 in Durango, CO on May 21st, 2022 at 2:00 pm. The Nickels family welcomes any and all stories, photos, and memories that Randy’s friends and acquaintances would like to share. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Randy’s honor to Wounded Warrior Project at www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org or VFW Post 4031 at www.vfw4031.org.