Larry E. Nichols

Lawrence Edward “Larry” Nichols was born in Geneva, Nebraska on December 14, 1939 to E. Howard Nichols and Ruth E. (McCabe) Nichols. Larry peacefully completed his earthly journey on January 28, 2026 at his home in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 86 years, 1 month and 14 days. He was the fourth of 8 siblings born to the Howard and Ruth. Having recently professed his faith in Jesus, we joyfully celebrate Larry’s homecoming in heaven, where he now worships our Father God for all eternity. Larry attended Geneva Public Schools starting in kindergarten and graduated with the class of 1957. He attended college at Nebraska Wesleyan University where he played basketball and was affiliated with Theta Chi Fraternity. While in high school, Larry was involved in several sports, and came to be known as “jack rabbit” for his speed and quick agility. He was on the football, basketball, and track teams. He also played Legion baseball in the summers. During his junior and senior years, he led the basketball team to state championships; junior year, class C, and senior year, class B. In addition to his love of sports, Larry also loved music and played the trumpet in band. He sang in the boys’ glee and mixed choruses and was a soloist at music contests. One year Larry sang ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ for his solo and forgot the words!!!! He started over and received a superior rating. He must have been nervous the first time. Larry married Bonnie Shuster in 1962, and together they had two daughters, Sheri Lynn and Deborah Renee. They lived in Geneva and Larry worked for his father at Nichols’ Construction Company. During the summers, Larry also enjoyed umpiring baseball in Geneva. He was very vocal with his “YOURRRRR OUT!” After deciding construction work was not for him, Larry moved his family to Lincoln where he started his career as a grain broker at ADM in Lincoln. He later transferred to Fremont where he met Elizabeth (Betsy) Hewitt who had come in to apply for a secretarial position with ADM. Larry told his boss to hire her, and she became his secretary. Larry and Betsy were married in 1973 in Las Vegas, Nevada and later moved to Omaha where Larry worked for Bartlett Grain in Council Bluffs, and Betsy taught Spanish at Northwest High School. After moving to Omaha, Anthony’s became their favorite place for a great steak followed by dancing at the Ozone. Larry was an avid sports fan, and he especially loved the New York Yankees baseball team and the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. Larry and Betsy took several trips following the Huskers, and traveled to Florida to watch the Yankees in spring training at Tampa. He had all of the sports channels on his tv at home where you could find him in his recliner enjoying every sport imaginable. Larry enjoyed playing in poker tournaments at the casinos in Council Bluffs. He was a very smart (and also very lucky) card player. Larry brought his love of cards with him when he and Betsy moved to Maple Ridge Retirement Community and quickly became a regular at the bridge, pitch, pinochle, and poker games held there. Larry’s girls cherish memories of special times with their dad, from afternoons at the bowling alley and Peony Park to trips to California and Alabama to watch the Summer Olympics together. He was always up for swimming, carnivals and helping Deb on her private investigations as an FBI agent. Preceding Larry in death are his parents, Howard and Ruth Nichols, three brothers: Ronnie, Nicky, and Tom and his brothers-in-law, Ron Kleinschmidt, Don Kopecky, Sr., and Rod Felix. Remaining to cherish Larry’s memory is his wife Betsy, his two sisters: Rose Felix and Carol Rath (Bart), his two brothers Ray Nichols (Margaret), Dan Nichols (Wendee), his daughters, Sheri Martin (Mike) and Deb Nichols (Mick Peacock), seven grandchildren: Derek Nichols (Kelli Schaeffer), Brad Martin (Hallee), Addison, Jeremiah, Alliyah, Aiden, and Carter Martin and two great-grandchildren, Colby and Levi Martin. A Celebration of Life for Larry was held on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Geneva, Nebraska. Pastors Karissa Miller and Kendall Eden presided over the service. Ben Kaye Skinner accompanied the congregation in the singing of “How Great Thou Art.” He also accompanied Lyn Bouma in the singing of “My Chains Are Gone” and “The Lord’s Prayer.” The recorded selection “Hail Varsity” was played as the recessional song. Attendees of the service were dressed in their favorite Husker & Yankee attire. Pallbearers included Aiden Martin, Brad Martin, Carter Martin, Jeremiah Martin, Derek Nichols, and Scott Kleinschmidt. Honorary pallbearers included Harry Crawford, Jerry “Jake” Tesar, Richard Koehler, and Richard Matejka. A Graveside Service was held in the Geneva Public Cemetery immediately following the Celebration of Life. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

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Larry E. Nichols

December 14, 1939 - January 28, 2026