Keith Nickels

Keith Nickels, age 66, of Maple Park, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2017 following complications from a recent stroke.
He was born January 24, 1951, in Aurora, IL, the son of Keller and Leota (Widmayer) Nickels.
Keith grew up on Lorang Rd. in Kaneville and attended local schools. He graduated from Kaneland High School with the class of 1969. Before receiving his diploma, Keith made a name for himself on the hardwood as his team almost won regionals.
Keith met the love of his life in high school. Deborah “Debbie” Peterson caught his eye, but stole his heart. It wasn’t too long before the walked down the aisle when they were married on May 1st, 1971. They made their home in the Kaneland area, and for a few years, they lived Sturgeon Bay, WI. Eventually they welcomed home a daughter, Kelly and Matt later made the family complete. Tragedy struck in 1983 when Debbie died suddenly, leaving the kind of hole that few could fill. The family continued to make their home in the area.
Keith wore many hats over the years, but he spent several years driving truck for Nickels Redi-Mix, the family concrete business. He was well known as your favorite neighborhood bartender who loved to bend your ear with stories of years gone by.
Keith had a larger than life personality, whose devotion for the Chicago Cubs was unquestioned. Seeing them win it all, was a dream come true. He loved his trips to Las Vegas and even plied his trade by dealing Blackjack for a time. Keith was no stranger to card playing in general, but his favorites were pitch, poker and euchre, but only as long as he was surrounded by his friends. Keith’s sense of humor was infamous and often won him an audience with men and women from all walks of life. Keith was quick to share a joke but also his friendship, and once you met him, chances are good that you’ll never forget him.
He is survived by his two children: Kelly Nickels and Matt Nickels; a granddaughter Hailey Nickels; One brother, Gary (Margie) Nickels and one niece Lora Nickels.
He is preceded in death by his wife Debbie and his parents, Keller and Leota Nickels;
Visitation will be on Saturday, February 4, from 4-6 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 6 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Visitation will be on Saturday, February 4, from 4-6 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 6 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the Maple Park Fun Fest 608 Walnut Avenue, Maple Park, IL 60151. Checks may be made to the “Maple Park Fun Fest “. Tributes may also be forwarded to Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 4, from 4-6 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 6 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 4, from 4-6 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 6 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 4, from 4-6 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 6 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.