Herman K. Nickel retired Msgt USAF's Obituary
A life of courage, integrity and service to others was completed June 3, 2014 by Herman K. Nickel, retired Msgt USAF, who passed away in his home in Tacoma. Born 89 years ago in Philadelphia, PA; he proudly served in the Army Air Corp and US Air Force for 30 years. He was a veteran of WWII in Burma, India, China and Japan, of the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War with peace time service at strategic air command and serving in National natural disaster response. He repeatedly stated: "no one wants peace more than a soldier", and to protect peace by voting and exhibiting the national flag. Pierce County honored him for a continuous voting record of 68 years. He was a member of St. Ann's Parish and enthusiastic about his charities, historical preservation, western art and all-weather picnics. He most passionately loved his wife, Cecilia for 56 years and will be interred with her at the Tahoma National Cemetery on June 23 at 2:00 p.m. after a funeral Mass at St. Ann’s Parish at 10:30 a.m. He nurtured daughter, Suzanne Nickel Shade and son, Karl Nickel with love and common sense. He leaves "Favorite Son-In-Law" David Shade, daughter-in-law Sandra Nickel, grandchildren, Andrea Nickel, Aaron Shade and his wife Anna Shade, nieces and nephews including Karl Nickel of Philadelphia with his favorite quote: "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for enough good men to do nothing". Memorial donations can be sent to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jackson, Florida 32256.
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