Lucille B. Nikkel, 95, of Grinnell and formerly of Sully, passed away Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at UnityPoint – Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. A graveside service for family only will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, at Sully Cemetery. A reception for friends and family will follow from 5-7 p.m. at the social room of Comfort Inn and Suites in Grinnell. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to the Food Bank of Iowa. Memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.
Lucille is survived by her children Glenda (Douglas) Renaud of Pella, Bryce (Linda) Nikkel of Council Bluffs, and Ray (Laura) Nikkel of Cohasset, MN; her grandchildren and their families: Joel Renaud, Suzanne Turek, Bradley Nikkel, Jenna Fisher, David Nikkel, Jason Nikkel, and Bryan Nikkel; 19 great-grandchildren; and two sisters Karma Baarda Burman and Karen Baarda Langstraat.
She was preceded in death by her parents Dick and Julia Mae (De Prenger) Baarda; her husband Edward John Nikkel; her siblings Ila Mae Baarda Huyser, Joyce Baarda Huizer, Bruce Baarda, and Dean Baarda; and a daughter-in-law Renee Nikkel.
Lucille was born Mar. 10, 1930, on her family’s farm in rural Jasper County where she learned the value of hard work at a young age. She graduated from Grinnell High School and later received her teaching certificate from Central College in Pella.
Mar. 30, 1949, Lucille was united in marriage to Edward John Nikkel, the son of Tunis and Nellie (Stek) Nikkel. Lucille taught at the Spring Hill and Turner Country Schools before she and Ed began raising their family. Together, they raised their children on the family farm. Hand in hand, Lucille and Ed worked the land with Lucille helping with chores and tending to her large garden. She also worked part-time in furniture retail and appliance businesses in Grinnell.
Lucille deeply loved her family, and her grandchildren were the joy of her life. She cherished the time spent with them on the farm and the many memories made there. Lucille will be remembered for her strong work ethic, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family.
