Edith Elfreda Nichols

Edith Elfreda Nichols 93, passed away Thursday March 20, 2025, at Country Meadows Assisted Living in Mason City.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday March 31, 2025, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake; with Lay Minister Al Berge officiating. Burial will take place at Clear Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Edith Elfreda was born on February 5, 1932, to Rudolph and Frieda (Jens) Hansen. She spent her early years in Mason City before the family moved to Clear Lake when she was in third grade. A proud graduate of Clear Lake High School, Class of 1950, Edith built a life rooted in family, community, and cherished traditions.

On December 21, 1952, she married John C. Nichols Jr. at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. Together, they raised five children and created a home filled with love and laughter. Edith and John shared many memorable adventures, but their greatest joy was traveling to visit their grandchildren.

After John’s passing, Edith continued to embrace new experiences—spending winters in Arizona, embarking on cruises and bus tours, and later traveling with her companion, Al. She and Al shared a love for dancing and could often be found enjoying Big Band concerts at the Surf Ballroom.

A woman of routine and simple pleasures, Edith never missed her morning newspaper and a hot cup of coffee.

Edith was a dedicated employee at Clear Lake Bank and Trust, where she worked as a teller from 1965 until her retirement in 1994. Her warm smile and friendly nature left a lasting impression on many throughout the years.

Edith is survived by her children, Michael Nichols, Kathy (Gerald) Metzger, Debbie Walker and Sandy Nichols; grandchildren, Courtney, Andrea, Ryan (Shauna), Colin (Lyndsey), Charles and Wylie along with nine-Great-Grandchildren; son-in-law, Bill Phillips; brother-in-law, Donald (Dorothy) Nichols.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Frieda Hansen; husband, John Nichols in 1999; daughter, Linda Nichols in 2022 and her three sisters. 

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.