Roman Edward Nickel
Roman Edward Nickel, 89, passed away Tuesday November 11th, within his home surrounded by his family and loved ones. Roman was born June 4th, 1936, in the Town of Marshfield, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, to Erwin and Marie (Laudolff) Nickel. Roman graduated from New Holstein High School in 1954 and then later joined the US Navy where he served our country until 1958.
Roman then married his true love Ruth Hope (Sims) Nickel on September 27, 1958, in Richmond, Virginia. Together for 67 years, they built a life filled with love, family, and community.
Roman’s greatest joys were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Roman and Ruth cherished their farm and spent 65 years working on the land in the Oakfield area together. They loved polka dancing and are members of the “We Love to Dance Club.” In retirement, Roman enjoyed woodworking projects of all sizes and playing cards—Sheepshead, Cribbage, and other games—with friends and family. Later in life, he took up weaving hats and scarves, gifting hundreds, if not thousands, to veterans, the homeless, family, and friends.
Roman was a dedicated member of Sons of Zebedee—St. James Catholic Church, St. James Holy Name, and served on the Church Council. He was Assessor for the Town of Oakfield for over 20 years, and a member of the National Farmer Organization, and proudly served in the United States Navy.
Survivors include: 3 sons and 2 daughters: Michael (Debby) Nickel of La Crosse, WI; Debbie (Stanley) Priepke of Lomira, WI; Timothy (Lori) Nickel of Brownsville, WI; Tony Nickel and Kay Kruncos, both of Fond du Lac, WI. 8 Grandchildren: Steve (Matt McCabe) Priepke, Scott (Brittany DuPree) Nickel, Greg (Nikki) Nickel, Casey (Curtis) Frens, Ben Nickel, Sam (Hailey) Nickel, Megan Kruncos, Ashlynn Kruncos. Along with 5 Great-grandchildren: Lorelai Nickel, Miles and Lucas Nickel, Coen and Caden Frens plus one step great-grandchild Theo Rickert and one expected (?) Nickel. Further surviving is sister Beatrice Ristow of Sheboygan, brother Norman (Doris) Nickel of Oakfield, brothers in-law Robert Bittner of Fond du Lac, David Zimmerman of St. Cloud, WI, and Richard Gutreuter of New Smyrna, FL, sister-in-law Alice Spence of N. Charleston, SC and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Roman was preceded in death by his infant sons Robert, Thomas and Joseph Nickel; his parents Erwin J. and Marie E. (Laudolff) Nickel; in-Laws Charles and Ruth Sims, sisters Ruth Bittner, Elsie Zimmerman, and Kathy Gutreuter; brother-in-law Wayne Ristrow, and several brothers and sisters in law from Virginia.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the SSM Hospice Health Care Services for their compassionate care during Roman’s final journey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Fond du Lac American Legion—Meals for Homeless, a cause close to Roman’s heart through his hat projects.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church, Oakfield, WI (Elevator on North Side of Main Church Entrance). A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM, Father Zachary Galante presiding. A luncheon will be served in the St. James Church basement immediately following Mass. Entombment will take place at Ledgeview Memorial Park, 6250 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI, at 2:00 PM.