On the morning of February 3rd, 2017, at the age of 89, Swede saddled up for his last ride at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, MT, of natural causes. He was surrounded by all his family.
He was born in Glasgow at FMDH on June 20th, 1927. He was the youngest of six kids, born to HJ and Lydia Nickels. Swede attended school in Nashua through the 9th grade. He was unable to finish school as his father needed his help on the ranch due to the war. Despite not finishing school, he was very well read and was very interested in law.
He started taking flying lessons and received his pilot’s license at the age of 17. He would run wild horses and fly mail and supplies to neighbors stranded during hard winters. He also spent many hours flying search and rescue looking for missing or lost people. He was very proud of his flying ability. He flew countless hours and did not have any mishaps.
During the war, he spent many weeks running wild horses, cutting stud horses and branding colts and cattle for his neighbors away at war. He was an amazing roper and passed on his talents to his sons and grandsons. Swede entered the army on January 12th, 1951 and received an honorable discharge on August 18th, 1951.
He married the love of his life, Mildred Maurseth on January 3rd, 1952 in Glasgow. They were married for 65 years. They spent their life on a ranch Southeast of Nashua. The ranch became the second largest commercial Hereford ranch in the state of Montana. There were 26 steers that went to the Denver Stock Show for the “Catch-a-Calf” program in January 2004. He was the Montana Commercial Hereford Breeder of the Year in 2006. When he was not working, his hobbies were working, working and working some more. He enjoyed following his kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all their events.
Swede was preceded in death by his mother and father, one brother, 3 sisters and 2 grandsons (TJ and Zachary Nickels).
He is survived by his wife, Mildred, 2 sons, Lester (Jaylein), Steve (Sharon). 3 daughters, Wanda, Cindy (Paul) and Tammy (George). His grandchildren, Jesse, Luke, Krista, Jeremy, Kyle, Chantille and Asa. His Great-grandchildren, Lane, Cordelia, MacKayla, Jace, Isabelle, Ethan, Gabriell, Rebecca, Jaden, Ava and Leslie. And 1 brother, Jack Nickels.
Swede was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all. His life mantra was, “It is better to wear out then rust out and I plan on never wearing out”.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday February 6, 2017
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
115 Mabel Street
Nashua, Montana 59248
Luncheon
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday February 6, 2017
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
115 Mabel Street
Nashua, Montana 59248
Visitation
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Sunday February 5, 2017
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow , Montana 59230
Burial with Military Honors
Monday February 6, 2017
Highland Cemetery
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday February 6, 2017
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
115 Mabel Street
Nashua, Montana 59248
Luncheon
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday February 6, 2017
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
115 Mabel Street
Nashua, Montana 59248
Visitation
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Sunday February 5, 2017
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow , Montana 59230
Burial with Military Honors
Monday February 6, 2017
Highland Cemetery
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Carol Landsrud says
God has the greatest cowboy with him, Our thoughts and prayers go out to your families. We will see you on Monday. Hugs and love to you all. Eric and Carol
Gayle breding says
Mildred you and your family are in my prayers Swede will be missed he was and awesome man
Brian Maurseth says
To Aunt Mildred, Lester, Wanda, Cindy, Steve, and Tammy, my heart and love go out to all of you during this time. May God bless and comfort you and your families during this time of loss. Uncle Swede will be dearly missed.
Connie Danelson says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Leland and Kathy Smith says
We are saddened to hear of your loss. We are sorry we won’t be able to be with you today, but our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dads and Grandpas can never be replaced but the memories will live on in your hearts.
Darlene Rose says
Mildred and family
I was so sorry to hear about Swede, one of the last originals.
Peace, Prays and Blessings to you all.
Darlene