ElVern James Nikkel passed away peacefully Sunday, September 4, 2022, at the Corn Heritage Village in Corn, Oklahoma, at the age of 94 years, 3 months and 2 days .

ElVern was born June 2, 1928, in Corn, Oklahoma to Johannes P. Nikkel and Tina (Reimer) Nikkel.  ElVern graduated from Corn Public Schools in 1947.  Upon graduation ElVern entered into the farming operation with his father near Alfalfa, Oklahoma.  In addition to the farming operation, ElVern was a partner in a custom wheat harvesting operation that lasted 34 years traveling from Oklahoma to the Dakota's harvesting wheat during the summer months.  To supplement the farming operation during the winter months, for many years he worked at various jobs in San Jose and Riverside, California, in Oklahoma City, at the Corn Locker Plant, and as a carpenter in the Weatherford area for Vogt Construction.

On August 20, 1948, ElVern married his high school sweetheart, Greta Jo Warkentin.  The wedding took place in San Jose, California under the direction of Greta's father, DR. J. K. Warkentin.  In the fall of 1948, the couple moved into the home in which ElVern was born in Corn and remained in that home until November of 2021.  Throughout the years of living in Corn, ElVern and Greta were very active in the community and in the Calvary Baptist Church, serving in many different leadership roles.

In August of 1950, ElVern and Greta welcomed their first child, daughter Charlotte Elaine and in September of 1954 their second child, James Kim was born.

As a true Corn, Oklahoma resident of most of his 94 years, ElVern aka "Nick" made many lifelong friends not only from work but also his community service and his many hobbies.   ElVern served as a volunteer fireman in the early years of the Corn Volunteer Fire Department.  He was very active in locating some of the best "fishing holes" not only in Oklahoma but south Texas, and the trout streams of the Colorado mountains.

ElVern was a devout man, of deep faith.  He was of the highest integrity.  He was conscientious regarding his property and farming.  He loved his family.  And, he had a wonderful sense of humor.  He had a gift of gab, never meeting a stranger whether in Oklahoma, California, or in Germany.  He loved to travel and see new sights.  He will be sorely missed.

ElVern is survived by his wife, Greta of their home; children Charlotte Edwards of Edmond, James Kim and wife MaryLou of Weatherford; grandchildren, Jamie Scharich and husband Brian of Camarillo, California, Joshua Nikkel and wife Sachiko of Point Mugu, California, Jodi Laegreid and husband Peter of Lincoln, Nebraska; great-grandson, Jameson Scharich; one brother, Lorn and wife Lela of Granbury, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.  ElVern was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Geraldine Hook and Wanda Adams; and his son-in-law, Joe E. Edwards.

Memorials may be made to the Corn Volunteer Fire Department. A memorial gathering to celebrate his life will be held at a later date