Gerald “Jerry” Huldreich Nickel, a longtime educator, Vietnam veteran and family man from San Antonio, Texas, died on August 3, 2026, at the age of 80. His obituary describes a life shaped by military service, decades in elementary education, family relationships and a reputation for kindness and humor.
Nickel was born in Hillsboro, Kansas, in 1946 and later built a 28-year teaching career in the Shawnee Mission, Kansas, school system. He spent his entire teaching career at Nieman Elementary before retiring in 2000.
Latest Update: October 4, 2026
As of October 4, 2026, the published obituary identifies Gerald “Jerry” Huldreich Nickel as having died on August 3, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. He was 80 years old.
The available obituary does not provide a cause of death. It says Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and remembered for his kindness, work ethic and sense of humor.
Who Was Jerry Nickel?
Jerry Nickel was an educator and Vietnam veteran whose professional life was closely connected to elementary education in Kansas. He spent 28 years teaching at Nieman Elementary in Shawnee Mission, where he worked to encourage and support young students before retiring in 2000.
His life also included military service during the Vietnam War. He was drafted in August 1968 and served with the 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade. He later remained in the Army Reserve before receiving an honorable discharge in 1974.
Family and Early Life
Gerald Huldreich Nickel was born on January 13, 1946, in Hillsboro, Kansas. His parents were Huldreich and Sarah Nickel.
He graduated from Hillsboro High School and later pursued higher education, eventually earning a master’s degree in education. His educational background helped prepare him for the teaching career that became a major part of his adult life.
Military Career
Nickel was drafted into the United States Army on August 27, 1968, during the Vietnam War. He served in the 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade and remained on active duty until March 28, 1970.
His military record included recognition for his service. The obituary states that he received several awards, including the Army Commendation Medal with the “V” device for heroism and meritorious service.
After active duty, Nickel continued serving in the reserves. He was honorably discharged from the Army on August 1, 1974.
Teaching Career
Education became another defining part of Jerry Nickel’s life. He spent 28 years as an elementary school teacher in Shawnee Mission, Kansas.
According to his obituary, all 28 years of that teaching career were spent at Nieman Elementary. He retired from teaching in 2000 after decades of working with children.
His obituary emphasizes the lasting influence he had on students, describing him as someone who inspired young people with patience, kindness and confidence in their potential.
Life After Retirement
Retirement gave Nickel more time to enjoy his family, friends and personal interests. His obituary says he particularly enjoyed spending time with his wife and family and caring for his many cats.
The obituary’s description of his personality also highlights his sense of humor and strong work ethic. Those qualities were remembered alongside his military service and career as an educator.
Wife and Marriage
Jerry Nickel was married twice. His obituary identifies his second wife but does not publicly provide her name in the version available through Legacy. He was also previously married to Janice, with whom he had four children.
The published notice describes his second marriage and family life as an important part of his later years.
Children and Grandchildren
Jerry Nickel was the father of four children from his first marriage to Janice: Brian Nickel, Alicia Tangeman, Lori Failes and Allison Roberts. The obituary also names their spouses and several grandchildren.
His grandchildren include Kristen and Kiera Tangeman, Addison and Avery Failes, Taylor and Brayden Nickel, and Levi, Liam and Leah Roberts.
The obituary portrays him as a proud grandfather whose family remained central to his life.
Parents and Siblings
Jerry was the son of Huldreich and Sarah Nickel. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Nickel and sister Jeanette McMinn.
His surviving brother was identified as Clifford Nickel. The obituary also remembers other relatives and friends who remained part of his life.
Age and Date of Death
Gerald “Jerry” Nickel was 80 years old when he died on August 3, 2026. He was born January 13, 1946, in Hillsboro, Kansas.
Cause of Death
Jerry Nickel’s cause of death has not been publicly disclosed in the obituary reviewed.
The obituary confirms his date of death and age but does not state that he died from a particular illness, accident or medical condition. No cause should therefore be added without a reliable source.
Religion
The available obituary does not clearly identify Jerry Nickel’s religious affiliation. His celebration of life was held at Arden Road Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas, but the service location alone should not be used to infer a specific personal religious identity.
Where Did Jerry Nickel Live?
At the time of his death, Jerry Nickel was identified as being from San Antonio, Texas. His life also had strong connections to Kansas, particularly Shawnee Mission, where he spent his entire teaching career at Nieman Elementary.
Funeral and Memorial Services
A celebration of life was held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Arden Road Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas. The gathering gave family and friends an opportunity to remember his life and share memories.
A separate military ceremony was scheduled for August 31, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, honoring his military service.
Jerry Nickel’s Legacy
Jerry Nickel leaves a legacy that spans military service, education and family. His Vietnam-era Army service represented one chapter of his life, while his 28 years at Nieman Elementary became another major part of how he was remembered.
His obituary particularly emphasizes the effect he had on children. Rather than simply describing his career as employment, it presents teaching as a long-term commitment to helping young students develop confidence and reach their potential.
For his family, his legacy is also personal. He was remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend whose kindness, humor and strong work ethic shaped the way people close to him viewed his life.
Quick Facts About Jerry Nickel
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Gerald Huldreich Nickel |
| Known as | Jerry Nickel |
| Born | January 13, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Hillsboro, Kansas |
| Died | August 3, 2026 |
| Age | 80 |
| Residence | San Antonio, Texas |
| Education | Hillsboro High School; master’s degree in education |
| Military service | U.S. Army; Vietnam War |
| Military unit | 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade |
| Teaching career | 28 years at Nieman Elementary in Shawnee Mission, Kansas |
| Retired from teaching | 2000 |
| Children | Brian, Alicia, Lori and Allison |
| Cause of death | Not disclosed in the obituary reviewed |
| Celebration of life | August 15, 2026, Arden Road Baptist Church, Amarillo |
| Military ceremony | August 31, 2026, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery |
Reader Questions
Who was Jerry Nickel?
Jerry Nickel was Gerald Huldreich Nickel, a Vietnam veteran and longtime elementary school teacher. He spent 28 years teaching at Nieman Elementary in Shawnee Mission, Kansas.
When did Jerry Nickel die?
Gerald “Jerry” Nickel died on August 3, 2026, at the age of 80. His obituary identifies San Antonio, Texas, as his location at the time of his death.
How old was Jerry Nickel when he died?
Jerry Nickel was 80 years old. He was born January 13, 1946, and died August 3, 2026.
What was Jerry Nickel’s cause of death?
The published obituary does not disclose his cause of death. No specific illness, accident or medical condition should be attributed to his death without additional verified information.
Was Jerry Nickel a Vietnam veteran?
Yes. He was drafted into the Army in 1968 and served in Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade. He received several awards, including an Army Commendation Medal with the “V” device.
What did Jerry Nickel do for a living?
Jerry Nickel was an elementary school teacher. He spent 28 years at Nieman Elementary in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, before retiring in 2000.
Who were Jerry Nickel’s children?
His four children from his first marriage to Janice were Brian Nickel, Alicia Tangeman, Lori Failes and Allison Roberts. The obituary also lists several grandchildren.
Where was Jerry Nickel’s funeral?
A celebration of life was held August 15, 2026, at Arden Road Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas. A military ceremony was scheduled for August 31 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.
Wrap-Up
Jerry Nickel’s life brought together several forms of service. He served his country during the Vietnam War and then devoted 28 years to teaching elementary school students in Kansas.
He was 80 when he died on August 3, 2026. While his obituary does not disclose a cause of death, it leaves a clear picture of a man remembered for his family, teaching career, military service, kindness, humor and commitment to others.
His family and friends gathered in August to celebrate his life, while a separate military ceremony recognized his service to the United States. His story remains one of education, military duty and family devotion.
Disclaimer
This obituary article is based on published obituary information from Legacy and corroborating reporting. The cause of death was not disclosed in the obituary reviewed and has not been speculated upon. Family details have been limited to information publicly included in the obituary.
