Ronald J Nichelson, 76, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died Thursday, January 19th, 2012, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg.

He was born August 27th, 1935, in Tryon, Nebraska; son of William Arthur and Eliza Jane (Druery) Nichelson.

He grew up in the Cozad area and attended school there. Ron lived in the Gothenburg area since 1961. He worked for the State of Nebraska Department of Roads for 27 years. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, watching old tv shows, reading, visiting and helping his neighbors.

Surviving are son, Randal (Teresa) Nichelson of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska; daughter, Cheryl (Ted) Bray of Overton, Nebraska; brother, Harley (Mary) Nichelson of Eustis, Nebraska; sister, Donna Landercasper of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; four granddaughters, Crystal Faulconer, Savannah Nichelson, Ashley Carttar-Caskey and Misti Walker; grandson, Noah Nichelson; 10 great- grandchildren; special friends and neighbors, Randy and Karla Ricley of Gothenburg; uncle Boyd Meredith of North Platte, Nebraska; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and neighbors.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Doris Stitt; brothers, Ivan and John Nichelson; three infant brothers and an infant granddaughter, Emmaline Pearl.

Services were held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, January 23rd, 2012, at 2 p.m., with Pastor Larry Viter officiating. Interment followed in the Walnut Grove Cemetery, Cozad, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the Lake Helen upkeep, Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department, or Gothenburg Senior Center. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.