John E. “Jack” Eugene Nichols

John "Jack" E. Nichols, 83 of Waterloo, died unexpectedly Thursday, February 17, 2022. He was born August 4, 1938 in Waterloo, son of Glen and Geneva (Olhoff) Nichols. He graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1957.

He married Charlene Brace, the mother of his three children, on November 6, 1958 in Evansdale, they later divorced. He married Betty Grouette (Cooley) November 9, 2001 in Mason City. He worked at John Deere Component Works, in both carpentry maintenance for 12 years, and as a sub-assembler for 24 years, retiring on January 1, 1994. Jack also owned and operated Evansdale Mini Cruiser from 1979-1988 with his father and brother, Jerry. He was involved in Scouting and little league with his sons, played slow and fast pitch, and bowled on the John Deere leagues. He was a member and deacon of the former First Reformed Church of Evansdale and currently a member of New Life Fellowship Church in Elk Run Heights.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, Waterloo; sons, Brad (Evelyn) Nichols, Jacksonville, FL, Greg (Syndy) Nichols, Avon Park, FL, and Troy (Shannon) Nichols, Minneapolis, MN; step-sons Mark (Laura) Bryant, Virginia Beach, VA, Brad (Terri) Bryant, Waterloo, and Dan (Kati) Johnson, Cedar Falls; grandchildren, Matt (Erin) Long, Phillip and Alex Nichols, Matt (Mishy) and Nathan Bryant, Tyler and Paige Bryant, Trinity, Taylor, and Sydney Van Hauen, Sophie Johnson, Alex Figueroa, Nicole Parilla, Bryan Rosado, and Kevin Rodriguez; great-grandchildren, Maddox, Freddie, Ethan, Natalie, Landon, Magnolia, Marcellus, and Matthew Jr. "Matty."; brothers, Ron (Jurly) Nichols, Robert (Bobbie) Nichols, Bill (Mary) Nichols, all of Evansdale, and Marlin (Becky) Nichols, Waterloo; sisters, Glenda (Gehrke) Larson, Evansdale, and Cathy (Doug) Sheeley, La Porte City; brothers-in-law, George, Buda Texas, David, Paul (Tammy), and Bill Grouette, all of Mason City; sister-in-law, Norma Nichols; former daughter-in-law, Christine "Tina" (Ayers) Nichols, Gilbertville; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by brothers Gerald and Lores; sister, Joanne Chase; sisters-in-law, Arlita Nichols, Diane Nichols, Alice Grouette, Cindy Grouette, and Paula Grouette; and brothers-in-law, Steve Gehrke and Jim Larson; niece, Lindsay Nichols; nephews, Michael Grouette and Casey Nichols.