Rickey Joe "Rick" Nickles

                                June 25, 1952-January 6, 2021

PEKIN-Rickey Joe "Rick" Nickles, 68, of Pekin, IL, formerly of Tremont, IL passed away at 7:30 am Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria after a courageous yearlong battle with cancer.

Rick was born in Davenport, IA on June 25, 1952 to William and Mary (Spiess) Nickles. He married Marsha Callahan on February 2, 1973 in Davenport, IA. She passed away in March 1992. They were married for 19 years and had two boys, Matthew Allen and Mark Andrew Nickles. Rick later married Susan Henning on October 23, 1993 in Peoria, IL.

Surviving are: his wife, Susan of Pekin; three sons, Matthew (Kelly) Nickles, Mark (Amanda) Nickles both of Pekin and Zachary Nickles of Kansas City, MO; one sister, Linda Nickles of Davenport, IA; five grandchildren, BreyAnne, Kaitlynne, Wade, Emmett and Max; canine companion, Baylee.

Rick worked for Caterpillar for 42 years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Peoria. His hobbies included building and racing cars ("If it doesn't burn fossil fuel it is not a sport"), shooting trap, bass fishing, and building four homes and remodeling multiple homes.

Rick had a tremendous love for his family: he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His presence was larger than life in peoples' lives. He was a friend and advisor ("You could do it that way"); always there to lend a hand; he didn't know a stranger. He will leave a large hole in many hearts.

A private family service will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Mark Nelson officiating. Inurnment will be at Prairie Haven Cemetery.

A celebration of life will occur when COVID restrictions are behind us. In the interim, when you have your next drink of choice, raise your glass, toast Rick and remember his love and friendship.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Illinois Cancer Care Foundation or Trinity Lutheran Church-Peoria.

Rick's tribute page is available for viewing at www.hendersonfuneralcare.com where online condolences may be sent to the family.