Bertha Nickelson

Bertha "Bert" Joyce Nickelson, 61, of Jefferson City, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2011, at her home. She was born June 18, 1950, in Pacific, a daughter of the late Burley C. and Genevieve (Cain) Nickelson. She was a graduate of Pacific High School in Pacific. Bert was a longtime cook and worked at Park Inn and Hotel Deville from 1980 to 2006 and was currently a cook at Dudley's since 2008. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Bowling Association. She loved to collect Elvis and Coca-Cola memorabilia. She also loved to watch squirrels and birds in her birdfeeders. Bert took great pride in her cooking and visiting with her regular customers at Dudley's. She is survived by her step-parents: Harvey and Vi Idel of Jefferson City; five brothers: Donald, Danny, Frankie, Gerald and Burley Jr., all of St. Louis; nine sisters: Letha, Christine, Rosemary and Ester, all of St. Louis, Evelyn (husband Gary) of Meeker, Colo., Marcia (husband Mike) of Lawton, Okla., Marylin and Kathleen, both of St. Louis, and Nicki (husband Kent) of Jamestown; numerous step-brothers and step-sisters; and one special nephew: Darrell Luebbert (wife Karen) of Jamestown. She was preceded in death by her parents: Burley and Genevieve Nickelson; her step-father: Al Idel; two brothers: Ronald and Lindell; and one sister: Nancy. Friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, with Rev. Murl Nash officiating. Interment will follow in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com