Thomas "Tom" Nickels

Dr, Thomas H. Nickels, PhD, 85, of Cedar Rapids, died August 26, 2025, after complications from a long illness. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 8, 1939, to William and Mary (Bach) Nickels, and was an avid Cubs fan. He attended DePaul University in Chicago, where he received a Bachelor’s and attended Purdue, where he received a Master’s Degree in Economics. Tom attended the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, there he met Mary Ann Hausmann. He married Mary Ann on October 28, 1967. Tom briefly taught at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, before going to the University of Illinois, Champaign. While teaching at the University, he completed his PhD in Economics in May 1974. In August 1974, he started at Mount Mercy University, where he taught until retiring in 1999. However, he continued to teach more classes for years after.

He was an active member of St Matthew Catholic Church, where he was involved in Holy Name, RCIA, was Treasurer for many years, and sang in the choir. He was also active with the Mount Mercy University choir.

Retirement allowed him to pursue his other hobbies, including cooking, especially BBQ, and bowling. He held various leagues offices, was a regular winner of the Triple Crown, and bowled a 300 game towards the end of his career.

Visitation will be from 4:30-6:30 p.m., with Rosary recited at 4:00 p.m., Friday, August 29, 2025, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St Matthew Catholic Church, presided by Reverend Douglas Loecke.

Survivors include a daughter, Pamela (Thomas) Schuttloffel of Marion; and son, Jeffrey Nickels of Cedar Rapids. The ones he treasured the most were his grandchildren, David (Morgan), Paul, Matthew, Timothy, Mariana, Jacob, Sarah, Benjamin Schuttloffel, and Gabriel Nickels; and a great-grandson, Luke Schuttloffel.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; four children, Gregory, George, Michael, and Bridget; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; parents, William and Mary Nickels; three brothers, Richard, James, and Jerome; and all his sisters-in-law.

Tom was known for being a foster father to many. He lived his life following the teaching of Matthew 25, which emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the kingdom of Heaven by living with responsibility, stewardship, and compassionate actions towards others.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family.

The family would like to thank the Hiawatha Care Center, and Mercy Hospice, for their compassionate support during this time.

Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Tom’s tribute wall and share your support and memories with his family at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.