Marvin Leroy Nichelson

Marvin LeRoy Nichelson, beloved father, grandfather, and friend to many, passed away

on January 20, 2025, in Cumming, Georgia, at the age of 88. He was born in 1936 in

Nebraska, where he began a life filled with generosity, adventure, and unwavering faith.

Marvin grew up in Nebraska and graduated from Wahoo High School in 1953. Shortly

after, he married Janice Ruth Dickinson, and together they raised three children while

Marvin earned his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Nebraska in

1963. He took great pride in his long career as an engineer with the Continental Can

Company.

As a younger man, Marvin proudly served in the U.S. Air Force National Guard,

demonstrating his lifelong patriotism and love for his country. A dedicated Christian,

Marvin was a man of faith who loved to sing gospel songs—long, loud, and often off-

key—bringing smiles to those around him.

After his marriage to Janice, Marvin married Brenda Hall, and in his later years, he

reconnected with Catherine (Boesel) Fisher, his first high school sweetheart from

Wahoo. The two spent the last 20 years as “snowbirds,” splitting their time between

their Hiawasee River home in Hiawassee, Georgia, and their home in Holiday, Florida,

where Marvin made many friends.

He had a passion for classic cars, cherished time in the great outdoors, and loved

traveling. But above all, Marvin’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted father

and grandfather who loved his children and grandchildren with all his heart. He instilled

in them the values of independence, hard work, faith and kindness. His family will

remember him as a man of integrity and dignity who always sought to care for others.

Marvin never hesitated to lend a helping hand, often quietly assisting those in need

without a second thought.

Marvin is survived by his three children: Jeffrey LeRoy Nichelson, Scott Andrew

Nichelson, and Nancy Ruth Nichelson; as well as his three beloved grandsons: Coyote

Nichelson, Thibault Nichelson, and Arthur Nichelson. He was preceded in passing by

his parents, Herbert and Bertha Nichelson and brothers Larry, Willard, and Duane

Nichelson. He was the last of the four Nichelson brothers.

Marvin meant so much to so many people. His legacy of generosity, kindness, and

dedication to his faith and family will live on in the lives he touched. He will be deeply

missed but lovingly remembered.

Memorial Services

A procession will leave Banister-Cooper Funeral Home, 678 N Main Street, Hiawasee at

1:30 to Laurel Hills Cemetery. A graveside service will be held at a Laurel Hills Memory

Gardens Cemetary US HWY 515 Young Harris, Georgia at 2:00pm. A Celebration of Life Reception will follow

immediately after service at The Ridges Resort in The High Cove Room with light

refreshments and fellowship 2:30 – 4:00.

In honor of Bright Eyes & Buttercup send donations to Mountain Shelter Humane

Society in lieu of flowers. Pawsga.org.

Banister-Cooper is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Nichelson.