William "Bill" Nickles, Sr.

William “Bill” Clark Nickles, Sr. died on August 9, 2025.

 Bill was born on November 20, 1930 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Blessed with a brilliant scientific mind, he received a BA from the University of Minnesota in 1954 (Engineering), an MA from the University of Wisconsin in 1962 (Chemistry), and a Ph.D. from North Dakota State University in 1966 (Chemistry). He met his wife, Eleanor Hemstreet Nickles, at the University of Wisconsin and they were married in 1960. Bill was a Professor of Chemistry at St. Cloud State University from 1966 until his retirement in 1991. 

Never one to be without a project, Bill spent the first part of his retirement working with good friends, Kathy and Vic Klis, in their cabinet shop. His “second” retirement gave him more time to read history books – his favorite reading subject. He read the New York Times cover to cover every day and was always up on current news topics. Eleanor and Bill made a good life in St. Cloud and Minneapolis, raising two wonderful children – William Clark Nickles, Jr. and Annabel Susan Nickles. Eleanor, Clark, and Annabel were the lights of Bill’s life and he was a devoted and caring father and husband. The death of Annabel in 2019 grieved him deeply. Bill was predeceased by his parents, his brother, and his daughter, Annabel. His wife, Eleanor Hemstreet Nickles, died in March, 2026. 

Surviving him are his cherished son, Clark, and many nieces and nephews. The family is especially grateful for the devotion of Kathy and Vic Klis, the care and compassion of the staff at Friendship Village, and Ecumen Hospice. 

Donations can be made to the Minneapolis Institute of Art or Ecumen Hospice (www.ecumen.org/hospice). 

A graveside service will be held at Westover Memorial Park, 2601 Wheeler Road, Augusta, Georgia, on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM. The family will receive guests at the service. 

Arrangements are in the care of Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, Georgia, 30907 (706-364-8484). Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.