Leland Nichols

Leland Andrew Nichols, age 85, of Ottertail , MN , beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, businessman, and friend died Friday, April 24, 2009 , in Mesa , AZ.



Leland was born at home with his twin sister in Fulton , NY , on April 2, 1924 . He was only 15 years old when his mother died of cancer. Leland was avid in the Boy Scouts and he was also an Eagle Scout. He continued on as Scoutmaster and Sea Scoutmaster. He served in the US Navy from 1943-45 in the Pacific Theater specializing in underwater demolition. The Navy sent him to ND State College of Science where he met his wife, Alice Jacklitch. They were married on September 24, 1943 , in Norfolk , VA. After being discharged from the armed forces, Leland continued his education at Michigan State University in Lansing , MI , and St. Lawrence University in Canton , NY . He careered in the dairy business for years before continuing his profession in the insurance business.



Leland is survived by his wife, Alice; sons, Robert (Glenda) Nichols, and Thomas (Marlene) Nichols; sisters, Leona Herrendeen, and Bernice Stokes; grandchildren, Tonya Luond, Robbie Nichols, Alicen Lee Strombeck, Sean Nichols, and Ericka Chang; and thirteen great-grandchildren.