August 18, 1920 - June 16, 2021
Esther Nies Nickel passed away on June 16, 2021. A native Lodian, Esther was born on the family ranch on E. Kettleman Lane to Jacob and Marie Nies, on August 18, 1920. She attended Alpine School, LUHS class of 1938, Stockton Jr. College and Forkner's College of Commerce. Prior to her marriage she was employed by Holt Brothers in Stockton.
In 1943, she married Herbert R. Nickel, a LUHS classmate. That same year Herbert was inducted into the Army, and the following three years were spent at Camp White, in Medford, Oregon, and Camp Lockett, Campo, California.
Upon their return to Lodi, a home was established on E. Kettleman Lane. Two children were welcomed, Joyce in 1946 and Steven in 1949. In 1954, she was hired as an intermittent employee with the Lodi Department of Employment (now EDD). In 1961, she was appointed Manager of the Lodi EDD Office, a position she held for 16 years, until her retirement in 1976.
Esther had many interests, among them antiquing, traveling and crossword puzzles.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herbert R. Nickel; her daughter, Joyce "Penny" Roster; sisters, Lilliaan Hinrichs and Lorene Hoffman; and brother, Marvin Nies. Esther is survived by her son, Steven Nickel and his wife Laura; granddaughters, Jami Martin and Jennifer Achee; great granddaughter, Alynn Achee; and son-in-law, John Roster.
The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Senior Living and VITA Hospice of Sacramento for their help and support.
At Esther's request, no services will be held.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Nickel family.