Marilyn M. Nickels

Marilyn Marie (Konen) Nickels, age 94, surrounded by the love of family, was peacefully called Home to be with our Lord on Friday, November 29th, 2024. Marilyn was born on October 17, 1930. She grew up and worked as a child on the Konen farmstead in Marywood - Aurora, IL. She attended Annunciation Grade School and Madonna High School where she was a star basketball player. As a lifetime parishioner, she had a special devotion to our Blessed Virgin Mary. Marilyn became one of the longest-standing members of Annunciation BVM Parish. At a young age, Marilyn developed a resilient spirit and compassionate heart as she provided care to her siblings after the loss of their mother in 1939. She enjoyed the downtown Aurora social scene with friends and was a valuable member of the Roit’s Plasterers bowling team, capturing the city championship in the 1950’s. Marilyn worked in Aurora as a hair stylist and server at a local Fruit Juice House. In 1959, Marilyn married the love of her life, Ron Nickels from Pigeon Hill. Together, rooted in love for God and each other, they built their home, raised their family, and realized their dreams at the corner of the streets named after her - Konen Avenue and Marilyn Lane (on the land her father subdivided). As a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker, Marilyn embraced her role with love and devotion. She perfected her talent for cooking and calendar keeping. She volunteered for church and school activities. She was #1 fan in the bleachers for each of her children's activities. As Grandma and Great Grandma, this legacy continued. She had an extraordinary gift for making each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren feel uniquely cherished as evidenced especially by their treasured memories of Christmas Eve. Marilyn loved her travels with Ronnie to grand destinations and family time at the lake in Twin Lakes, WI. She enjoyed a good party and took forever to say goodbye. Marilyn’s devotion to faith, family, and love inspired generations of family and friends. Her fierce, feisty spirit, and selfless love will always be remembered. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ronald Nicholas Nickels, her five children Patricia (Robert) Brouch of Aurora, Janet Nickels of Aurora, Randy (Susan) Nickels of Yorkville, Linda (Paul) Hoss of Sugar Grove and Richard (Amy) Nickels of Nashville, TN; her fifteen grandchildren Michael (Lisa) Brouch, Lisa (Scott) Holick, Kristin (Dennis) O’Reilly, David (Katie) Brouch, Genevieve (William S.) Porter, Adam Streich, Lindsay Nickels, Morgan (Zachary) Schneider, Brian (Erin) Hoss, Lauren Hoss, Kevin Hoss, Luke Hoss, Matthew Nickels, Molly Nickels, and Jack Nickels; her 13 great-grandchildren Claire, Sarah, Grace, Ava, Ellie, Maddie, Rachel, Nora Rose, Evie, Bennett, Connor, Hugo, Theo Ronnie, and one more in April; her sister-in-law Betty Konen and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Lavina (Gerten) Konen and Anthony Konen, her siblings and their spouses Vern (Marie) Konen, Jim Konen, Vince (Shirley) Konen, Audrey (Paul) Kayzar, Anthony (Bernice) Konen, Donna (Ronald) Muehlfelt and Jerome who died in infancy; her sister-in-laws Elaine (Nick) Franck and Ruth Nickels. The family would like to thank Vijay Shah MD, Sarvottam Bajaj MD, Fr. Michael Burrows, OSB, Abbot Joel Rippinger OSB, and the staff at Rush Copley for the compassion and dignity shown to mom and the family during her final days. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street Aurora, IL 60506, 630-631-5500. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 9:30 AM from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY; to Annunciation Church at 10:00 AM; Fr. Michael Burrows, O.S.B. and Abbot Joel Rippinger O.S.B. will concelebrate mass with interment at Marywood Cemetery. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com to leave condolences for Marilyn’s family or sign the guest book. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marilyn’s memory to Annunciation School, Marmion Academy and/or Rosary High School.

Marilyn M. Nickels

October 17, 1930 - November 29, 2024