Diana Lea Nickel

Diana Lea Nickel, age 79 of Minocqua, WI passed away on Thursday, August 18th at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.  Diana was born in Wisconsin Rapids on July 16, 1943, the daughter of Clarence (Slim) and Margaret Sydow.  She was the second of seven children and was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Tom Thompson, second husband Don Nickel and brother Roger Sydow.

She is survived by her three children: Gage (Sue McGowan) Thompson, Kelly (Gary) Shanak and Andrew Thompson.  Three sisters: Sally Sarlot, Lynda Emmons, Mary (Ken) Fisher, sisters-in-law Jean Sydow, Diane Sydow and Marcy Torney.  Brothers: Jim (Pam) Sydow, Mike (Lynne) Sydow and by 10 grandchildren: Andrea Thompson, Katherine Mueller, Katie Thompson, Nicole (Jesse) Hoffman, Jacklyn (Nick) Hanke, Jon (Katie-Jane) Shanak, Natasha (Justo) Mendoza, Samantha (Jeremiah) Hall, Andrew-Jacob, and Balana and 8 great grandchildren: Calvin, Cedar, Harmon, Loralie, Leo, Aaliyah, Anali and Freya

Diana graduated from Wausau High School in 1961 and went to work at Wausau Paper in Brokaw.  She retired after 37 years and worked at Kraft Foods Wausau for 5 years.  She enjoyed playing cards with friends, women’s softball, bowling, bar darts, throwing horseshoes and kayaking on Blue Lake.  She loved beer and pudgy pies at the firepit, lobster, popcorn, vodka and wine.

She was a devout Christian and with her granddaughter Katie she greeted worshipers and handed out hymnals at her church.  She liked to travel and explore new places.  As an avid Republican, she was a fan of Rush Limbaugh and Donald Trump.

Diana suffered with emphysema, but kept active until this summer.  She was hospitalized a few days before her 79th birthday and passed away with close family at her side.  According to her wishes, her ashes will be buried with her husband Don at Pine Grove Cemetery in Wausau.

Diana will live forever in our hearts. She rests now with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Memorial Service for Diana will be held on Wednesday, August 31st at 5:00 pm at Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua, WI with a memorial gathering from 4:00 till time of service with a reception to follow the service.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.