Milton Nickel 86

Milton Lawrence Nickel, 86, of Polson, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in Polson.

Milton was born on Nov. 1, 1936, in Fresno, California, to Homer G. and Edith Shaw Nickel. His family moved to San Angelo when he was in eighth grade. He attended San Angelo High School and graduated in 1954. He played guard on the Varsity basketball team for all three years of high school. Milton played basketball for San Angelo Junior College Rams from 1955 until 1957. He was the co-captain of the team that won the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas in 1957. The team had a record of 31-2 that season. He was very proud of this accomplishment.

After college Milton taught distributive education at Midland High School for 4 years. In 1960, he opened a used car business "buy here pay here" where he worked part time. He married Marsha C. Hawkins in 1957 and they had three children, Nancy N. Howell, Larry E. Nickel, and David M. Nickel. He was awarded a new car franchise in 1962 for the Chrysler lines of cars and trucks.

He moved to Kalispell in 1987 where he eventually opened eight used car lot locations throughout Western Montana as well as married his second wife Rebecca D. Keller.

Whenever he visited San Angelo, he enjoyed getting together with the "Lunch Bunch" Mondays thru Fridays.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert A. Nickel and daughter Nancy N. Howell.

Milton is survived by his wife, Rebecca; son Larry Nickel and wife Annette, son David Nickel and wife Kristine Monk; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service were held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023, at Harper Funeral Home Chapel with a burial to follow at Fairmount Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Scottish Rite for Children.

Family and friends can send condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com