Jean Nickels

JEAN NICKELS OLSON, Age 86 of LaFox, IL, formerly of Batavia, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2008 at her home after a long battle with respiratory illness. Released in peace, she claims now the promise of her Savior and breathes easily the celestial air of heaven.BORN / EARLY YEARSJean was born August 10, 1922 on a family farm near Elburn, the daughter of Nicholas M. and Ada B. (Benton) Nickels. She graduated from Kaneville High School with the lass of 1940 and went on to become a registered nurse, graduating from the Copley Hospital School of Nursing in 1943. Jean entered the Army Nurse Corps in 1944 and was stationed at the Oliver Genreal Hospital in Jackson, MI until her discharge in 1946. Returning home, she studied sociology at Aurora college and, following graduation in 1951, she entered the University of Minnesota where she graduated with a Master’s degree in Nursing Administration in 1955. During her time at Aurora College, she was employed with Dr. Albert Martin, Aurora and, following graduation from Minnesota, she worked for the State of Illinois at the Jacksonville State Hospital where she became the Assistant Director of Nursing. In 1959, Jean took a position as Director of Nursing at the Springfield Memorial Hospital where she continued until 1979. Returning once more to the Fox Valley, Jean joined the staff at Delnor Hospital, St. Charles where she remained until retiring in 1987.Through the years, Jean kept in touch with many of her nursing friends. Always active,, she especially njoyed golf and bowling and exercised regularly. Late in her years, she found love in t he "Prince Charming" of her life, Marty Olson. They were wed in Holy Matrimony at the Lord of Life Church in LaFox where they worshipped together and made many good friends. A woman of firm convictions and unflinching resolve, she was known to "stand her ground" when it counted and, in so doing, left her footprints in more than a few lives. By the same token, her caring hands reached out with a nurse’s healing touch and left fingerprints on more hearts than she ever realized. The memory of Jean’s life and times will long bring smiles to the faces of family, friends -and foes alike. SURVIVORS In addition to her beloved Marty, She is survived by one brother, Gilbert Nickels;Several nieces and nephews.Several great nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends.PRECEDED She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother and sister-in-law, Keller and Leota Nickels;a sister and brother-in-law, Noreen and Wayne Florence.VISITATION / FUNERAL Following cremation, at a later date, a memorial service to honor her life and faith will be held at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, LaFox, ILHer cremated remains will rest with her family at the Kaneville Cemetery.MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in Jean’s name to benefit hospice, her church and other favorite charities. Memorials checks may be made to the ¬¬JEAN NICKELS OLSON Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through his/her obituary at www.conleycare.com. For information call Conley Funeral Home at 630-365-6414 or 1-800-8-CONLEY.

A memoril service will be held at a later date following cremation.