Benjamin Nickel

MADISON – Benjamin Neal Nickel, age 73, passed away at his home in the arms of his wife of COPD on Sunday, June 26, 2022. Ben was born on May 13, 1949 in Madison, WI the son of Ervin and Helen Nickel. He grew up on the lower east side with his brothers Roland and Alan. He graduated from East High School and joined the 115th Fighter Group the Security Police section of the Air National Guard while both his brothers served in Vietnam. His last employment was as an independent contractor with Fed Ex Ground. He met his current wife, Marlene Heberlein, when she caught his eye while she was out dancing. He asked her to dance and the rest is history. He fell in love with her and they married in 1991. Ben’s father told Ben “she is a keeper”. He also immediately fell in love with the Heberlein family and Land Grant Acres LLC.

Ben had a warm engaging personality and a tremendous sense of humor. He was a Badger, Packer, Brewer, and NASCAR fan. He enjoyed gardening and created beautiful flower gardens, loved fishing, golfing, deer hunting, and Deer Camp. He loved the Heberlein family farm – Land Grant Acres. We were able to change the city boy into a country loving guy. Ben enjoyed going out on Saturday nights with family and friends for a good old fashioned cocktail. He loved performing with his nephews and nieces at any given moment, singing, dancing, and performing. He was known as “Uncle Ben” and will be missed, he had shown others love and received it in return.

Ben is survived by his wife, Marlene; brother, Al (Ruby) Nickel; nephews, Matthew, Mark, and Ryan Nickel; daughter, Kim Schmelzer; and granddaughter, Jayley; sisters and brothers-in-law, Roger (Diane) Heberlein and family, Kathy (Ron) Hilleshiem and family, Fran Parks and family, Diane Holloway and family; and a very special friend, Dick Jensen; he is further survived by many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roland Nickel; mother and father-in-law, Reuben (Florence) Heberlein; brothers-in-law, Robert Parks and Dan Holloway.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. A private burial with full military honors will be held at a later date at Roselawn Memorial Park.

A special thanks to Dr. Orest Kostelyna and all the staff at Agrace Hospice, especially Ben’s RN Rebecca. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, Tunnel to Towers, or the Shriner’s Hospital. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Avenue 608-249-8257