Obituary of Glenn Eldon Nichelson

Glenn Eldon "Nick" Nichelson 96 of Girard, passed away Tuesday evening, January 20, 2015 at his residence in Girard, IL. Glenn was born on March 14, 1918 to George and Nettie (Blocher) Nichelson in Girard and attended school from 1924 to 1936. In 1931, Glenn had dinner with Illinois Governor Louis Emmerson who presented the Postmaster John Stowe with funding for Emmerson Airline with the first phase extending from Girard to Palmyra. After graduation, Glenn worked for four years as a painter for Fred Schelb. He then entered military service, holding #158 for the Selective Service draft and Glenn served in the United States Army until Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. Glenn then traveled overseas to serve in the South Pacific theatre until 1945. During Glenn's tour in the South Pacific theatre in WWII he engaged in the following campaigns, Bora Bora-Project Muinda, Guadalcanal campaign, Bouganville, New Guinea campaign and the assault on Leyte-Philippines. His last duty in the Army was to assist in the escorting of General Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines. Glenn returned home following the war and married Bernadine A. Moore on October 6, 1945 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Virden, IL. He worked as a painter until 1948 before joining the United States Postal Service where he worked for the next 35 years. Following Glenn's retirement for the postal service he proudly and honorably served the people of Girard in his position as Girard Township Supervisor for 28 years, Girard Cemetery Board Member for 40 years and 12 years as it's president. Glenn currently stood as the longest serving active Macoupin County Board Member, serving the people of Macoupin County for over 30 years. He was also a member of the Church of the Brethren and the Girard American Legion Post #386. Glenn is survived by his son, Kevin L. Nichelson of Girard; two sisters, Mary Lois Miller and Dorothy Davidson both of Girard, as well as several nieces and nephews. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, George and Nettie Nichelson; wife, Nettie Nichelson on February 5, 2000; grandson, Jacob Shaz Nichelson in 1977; brothers, George Melvin, Clarence, Henry Charles and James Nichelson and a sister, Zola Nichelson. Funeral Information Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Girard. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 10:00 am at the funeral home in Girard with Rev. Marty Nagel officiating. Burial will take place in the Girard Cemetery. Donations Information Memorials are suggested to the Girard Fire & Rescue Squad, American Cancer Society or Girard Cemetery. Directions Visitation: Davis Anderson in Girard Service: Davis Anderson in Girard Cemetery: Girard Cemetery