Fredrick David Nickel

Fredrick David Nickel, 68, of Burnham, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born on February 16, 1956, in Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany, he was the son of the late Karl H. and Marjorie R. (Taylor) Nickel.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly J. (Walters) Nickel, whom he married on August 19, 1979; daughters, Koleen J. Nickel, of Burnham, and Kathleen R. Riden and husband, Tom, of Milroy; grandsons, Kade A. Nickel and Rowan H. Riden; great-grandchildren, Karson Nickel and Adalee Nickel; and siblings, Charmayne L. Bair and husband, Greg, of Lewistown, and Deneise M. Fultz and husband, Rodger Jr., of Freeburg, PA and several nieces and nephews.

Fred graduated from Chief Logan High School and The Mifflin-Juniata Career and Technology Center in the Machine Tool Program in 1974. He then furthered his career by completing his Vocational 1 and 2 certifications through Penn State University.

Fred worked at New Holland, Belleville, as a Master Tool Maker, Welder, and Machinist for 34 years. After retiring from New Holland, he accepted a position as the Precision Machining and Welding Instructor at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology, where he taught for ten years before retiring in 2018. 

Fred is a 50+ year member of the Burnham Fire Company, who joined in 1973 and is currently the company president. During his time with the department, he served as trustee, vice president, chief mechanic, lieutenant, and first assistant to the department chief. During his younger years, he was an EMT and a member of the Newtown Firehouse.  Fred served as president of the Mifflin County School Board and, most recently, as a member of the Mifflin County School Board. He has also served on the Operating Committee at the Mifflin County Academy of Career and Technology, the Occupational Advisory Committee for Precision Machining, and was a chairman of Buildings and Grounds for the Mifflin County School District.  He is a proud member of the NRA and Lewistown Moose Lodge 143.

Fred always enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with friends and family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, road trips, camping, and cookouts at the fire ring. Fred was a fan of Penn State and the Green Bay Packers, loved history, and an enthusiast of Gettysburg and Elvis Presley. He particularly enjoyed spending time pheasant hunting with his dog, Paddy, on their many hunting excursions from Burnham to South Dakota.

The Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Mentor, and Friend we lost will never be forgotten. He will continue to live in our hearts and memories, reminding us of the love and joy he brought into our lives.

A viewing will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, 108 First Ave., Burnham.

A second viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Burnham, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Kurt Swisher officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Fred’s memory to Burnham Fire Company or Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hellerhoenstinefuneralhome.com

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