Robert Lee Nichelson

Robert L. Nichelson, 73, of Callaway, Nebraska, died, Saturday, May 23, 2009, at his home, as the result of a farm accident. He was born May 25, 1935, in Callaway, Nebraska, to George and Pearl (Boyer) Nichelson. Robert grew up in the Callaway area where he attended school. He graduated from Callaway High School in 1953. Following High School Robert joined the National Guard, entering in 1953 and honorably discharged in 1960. On November 13, 1955 he married Patricia McCleary in Callaway, Nebraska. To this union three children were born; Debbra, Twila and Mike. In 1958, they started farming on their own on the Ryno Table for 15 years. In February of 1974, they moved to the farm and ranch northeast of Callaway where they have lived ever since. Other than Robert’s family, his true passion was his farming and ranching. He truly loved working on his farm. Robert enjoyed building his belt buckle collection, hats, attending rodeos and horse shows, spending time with his loving family and was well known for his story telling and jokes. Robert was very active and served as a board member in several of the following organizations; a member of Mid Am, was on the local school board, a 4-H Leader, on the Co-op marketing board for 10 years and also served on the Farm Bureau board of directors for 10 years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Callaway. Survivors include his two daughters: Debbra and husband Dale Stark of Ravenna, Nebraska , Twila and husband Paul Bankson of Hastings, Nebraska One Son: Mike Nichelson of Broken Bow, Nebraska Two brothers: Allen and his wife Jo Ann Nichelson of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Jerry and his wife Denise of Callaway, Nebraska Four grandchildren: Amanda and husband Jason Stark of Hazard, Nebrask , Melissa and husband Dustin Eggleston of Callaway, Nebraska, Travis and Brandon Bankson of Hastings, Nebraska Two great-grandchildren: Gavin Stark & Jenna Stark of Hazard, Nebraska and one on the way. One brother-in-law: Donald McCleary of Callaway, Nebraska, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, wife Patricia in 2007, and one granddaughter, Jennifer. Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 29, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Callaway, Nebraska, with Reverend Gerald Schwarz, officiating. Burial will be in the Broken Bow Cemetery at Broken Bow, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 28, 2009, from 5-7 p.m. at Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of Sympathy may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.