Mike Dean Nichelson

Mike Dean Nichelson, 66, of Lexington, Nebraska passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 1, 2025, in Lexington.

He was born on August 16, 1958, in Wichita, Kansas to James and Madonna (Janson) Nichelson. Mike attended public schools in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1976. Mike was a standout football player and was inducted in the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Following High School, Mike joined the United States Navy where he proudly served his country. Upon his discharge, he returned to Lexington where he began working various jobs. Mike proved he had a strong work ethic and spent many years working for Big Valley Lumber, Orthman's, and IBP. He moved to Kansas City for a few years but couldn't stay away for long and returned to Nebraska.

Mike had a great love for sports. He spent many years playing golf and was a member of the Golf League at Overton. When his children were younger, he enjoyed watching his kids' play sports and never missed a game. During his down time, he liked to fish and enjoy the summer breeze with a cigarette and a cold keystone light.

Those left to honor his memory are his children, Aaron Nichelson of Omaha, and Shannon (James) Callahan of Bertrand, Nebraska; grandchildren, Jeremy (Ashleigh) of Syracuse, Nebraska, Tessa of Bethany, Missouri, Tyler of Kearney, and Trista of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Greyson and Clay; sister-in-law, Myrna Nichelson of California; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Besides his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, a brother, Gerald Nichelson and his sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Maynard Barnes.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Dan Schwarz, officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com