Duane Nichols

Duane "Ducka" Nichols, age 90, of Alexandria formerly of Willmar, died Sunday evening, January 11, at Bethany Home in Alexandria.

Memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, at Shalom Lutheran Church at 800 County Road 44 NW in Alexandria. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Friday, January 16, at the church and continue one hour prior to the service at the church. The interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Willmar.

Ducka (Cappelen) Nichols was born on December 7, 1924, to Ida (Hoaglund) and Reidar Cappelen in Willmar, Minnesota. She received the nickname "Docka" from her Swedish grandfather August Hoaglund. "Docka" means doll in Swedish. The spelling changed to Ducka over the years. Ducka attended school in Willmar, graduating from Willmar High School in 1942, where she was involved in various musical groups. She became engaged to George Nichols, the love of her life, on June 26, 1946. They were united in marriage at the First Presbyterian Church in Willmar on May 10, 1947. This union was blessed by two daughters, Debbie and Sue. Ducka worked as a secretary/bookkeeper for various businesses including 21 years at Chappell Central. She enjoyed her work very much, especially the great friendships that were formed. Ducka was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Willmar serving as a Sunday School teacher, deaconess and many women's circles. In 2000 Ducka wrote a memoir of her life, The Good Life. The book was a special gift of love to her family. It brought much laughter, joy, memories, and reflection and continues to do so today. She was an avid journalist over the years, rarely missing a day of writing. Ducka loved her family very much and many of her activities revolved around their lives, including attending concerts, recitals, and cheering them on at sporting events. She enjoyed showing her love for others through her beautiful embroidery, Swedish tea rings and wonderful pies. She exuded joy and warmth to all who met her. She loved the lake and was an avid fisherwoman. Her generous spirit followed her to the end of her life!

She is survived by 2 daughters, Debbie (and Brad) Hoven of Alexandria and Sue (and Bruce) Kaihoi of Kiron, Iowa. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren; John (and Melissa) Hoven, Jenny Hoven, David (and Monique) Kaihoi, Melissa (and Matthew) Breems and Darin (and Annie) Kaihoi, 6 great grandchildren; Gabe, Atti and Linnea Hoven and Lily and Ava Breems and Mirabelle Kaihoi and 1 sister-in-law, Mary (and Herb) Sharstrom of Willmar.

Ducka was preceded in death by her parents, husband George in 2002, and 1 brother Allyn Cappelen.

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